Profiles
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Page -1
7 '58 283/245 Makes $130k ■ 140 Corvettes Analyzed & Rated
Keith Martin's
The Insider's Guide to Collecting, Investing, Values, and Trends
Corvette Market
Fast,Cheap
& Out of
Control
1967/74 vintage
racer makes
$44k
Spring 2009
Bought New in '60—Top Flight in '09
Experts Pick Big-Blocks and Small-Blocks
www.vettemarket.com
1990 “Active Suspension” Prototype—Bargain at $66k
Page 2
Corvette Market
Keith Martin's
Volume 2 . Issue 7 . Spring 2009
32 A little bit '67, a little bit '74
30 Tastefully updated resto-mod
28 Six-figure price—all in the details
Profiles
C1 1958 283/245 Convertible—$129,800
28 by John Apen
C2 1964 350 Convertible Resto-Mod—$71,500
30 by John L. Stein
“The '64 Corvettes have long suffered the stigma of being
‘not enough'—not quite a '63 Split-Window and not quite
ready for the big-block, either.”
C3 1967/74 “Delmo Johnson” Race Car—$44,000
32 by John L. Stein
On the Cover: 1967/74 “Delmo Johnson” Race Car.
Photo: Worldwide Auctioneers
4 Corvette Market SPRING 2009 www.vettemarket.com
“This one started life as a mid-year Corvette of unknown
description and then morphed into the less-well-regarded
C3 for no apparent reason.”
“Solid-axle Corvettes are not rare, so their value depends
heavily on whether the restoration has passed NCRS Top
Flight or Bloomington Gold judging.”
C4 1990 “Active Suspension” Prototype—$66,000
34 by Thomas Glatch
“Active Suspension replaced springs, dampers, and anti-
roll bars with sensors, computers, and hydraulics, all in an
effort to defy the laws of physics.”
C5 1999 Lingenfelter LS7 Twin-Turbo Coupe—$84,800
36 by Michael Pierce
”The buyer gets a car with just 1,800 miles on the ‘new'
engine, tons of great add-on bits, and the knowledge
that his Corvette is most certainly one of one.”
C6 Mini Profiles of Five Velocity Yellow Z06 Coupes
38 by Geoff Archer
“Ding, ding, ding. This guy wins our ‘Lowballer of the
Month' award for ripping the yellowest Z06 for the fewest
greenbacks.”
Page 3
Market Reports
42 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
69 Corvettes total $3.1m at the Original Spring Classic
by B. Mitchell Carlson
54 Barrett-Jackson, Palm Beach, FL
The annual spring sale sees 38 Corvettes bring $2.1m.
by Dale Novak
62 Global Roundup
80 Corvettes from ten auctions equal $1.8m in sales.
by CM Market Analysts
Features
18 Top Flight: Our man Apen puts his 1960 to the test
22 Racing Vets: Corvette greats gather at the Petersen Museum
24 O Canada: America's sports car north of the border
26 At a Glance: Evaluating a mid-year on the fly
22 A night at the museum
Departments
6 Publisher's Note
8 Industry Roundtable: Pick two mid-years, big and small
10 Q&A: Which big-block, C1 wipers, carb conundrum
12 Events: Things to do and places to be with your Corvette
16 Auction Calendar
40 Market Overview
76 By The Numbers: Top sales, February to June
78 In Miniature: Danbury Mint celebrates the '59 Fuelie
78 Speaking Volumes: Fuel-Injected Corvettes, 1957–65
80 Resource Directory
82 Vette-o-bilia: How much for that Duntov in the window sticker?
www.vettemarket.com SPRING 2009 Corvette Market 5
The Petersen Automotive Museum
Page 4
Publisher's
Note
Trusting Expert Advice
Corvette Market
Keith Martin's
Volume 2 . Issue 7 . Spring 2009
Publisher Keith Martin
Art Director Kirsten Onoday
Executive Editor Paul Duchene
Managing Editor Stefan Lombard
Auction Editor Jim Pickering
Auction Analysts B. Mitchell Carlson
Linda Clark
Tom Glatch
Daniel Grunwald
John Clucas
Chip Lamb
Norm Mort
Dale Novak
Contributors Carl Bomstead
Marshall Buck
Colin Comer
John Draneas
Michael Pierce
John L. Stein
Senior Web Developer Jerret Kinsman
Information Technology/
Internet Bryan Wolfe
Intern Bloor Redding III
Financial Manager Nikki Nalum
Operations Manager Jennifer Davis-Shockley
Print Media Buyer Wendie Martin
Director CM Television Roger Williams
ADVERTISING SALES
Advertising Executives Ted Alfano
Corvettes will be on display all summer long
W
elcome to issue number 7, which represents our nearly two-year immersion into the
world of Corvettes. While I have owned several Corvettes over the years, it was only
through the creation of this magazine that I began to make connections with the
people and organizations that drive the world of Corvette collecting forward.
You'll find many of the key players in every issue of CM; thoughtful caretakers of the
Corvette flame, including David Burroughs, Roy Sinor, and Kevin Mackay, among many
others, have been generous with their thoughts and time as we have worked to make CM the
authoritative resource for the serious Corvette collector.
From all of the contributors to CM, we continue to share information in every issue about
the various nuances that set one Corvette apart from another—why some are worth tens of
thousands of dollars and others worth hundreds of thousands. Why 1990–95 ZR-1s are so
cheap despite their prodigious performance, and why having an oversize gas tank in your 1963
coupe means you've got an extraordinary vehicle on your hands.
Above all, we are continually reminded of the importance of proper documentation. In this
issue, you will read about some Corvettes described as “numbers-matching,” yet they have a
state-issued VIN with no paperwork to establish the original VIN. That's not a description I'd
want to take to the bank.
Due diligence before purchase is the single most important item we—and all the
analysts and contributors associated with CM—continue to stress. With so many research
resources available, there's really no excuse for buying a car you aren't 100% comfortable
with. As we all know, even “original paperwork” can be forged, so if you are paying sixfigures
or more for a car, don't let yourself be satisfied with a cursory glance through a
yellowed folder. Borrowing a line from Ronald Reagan, “Trust but verify.”
As you read this, we will be en route to Bloomington Gold, a celebration of Corvettes
that all of us at CM thoroughly enjoy. I am honored to be the emcee of the various judging
and award ceremonies, and to be a part of the second annual Survivor Car Show. Come by
our booth at Bloomington, introduce yourselves to me, my wife Wendie, and our reps Cody
Wilson and Ted Alfano, and share your thoughts. After all, it is through hearing your questions,
and helping you find the answers, that we make CM a more useful tool for all of us.
Look for us as well in Monterey in August. In partnership with our sister publication,
Sports Car Market, we will have a presence at nearly every auction, car show, and concours.
As a CM reader, you are heartily encouraged to be a part of the CM/SCM gang and take part
in the activities there. ■
6 Corvette Market SPRING 2009 www.vettemarket.com
ted.alfano@vettemarket.com
877.219.2605 x 211
Cody Wilson
cody.wilson@vettemarket.com
877.219.2605 x 213
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Subscriptions Coordinator Mary Artz
Subscriptions 877.219.2605 x 204
9 am to 5 pm, M-F
service@vettemarket.com
503.253.2234 fax
CORRESPONDENCE
Phone 503.261.0555
Fax 503.253.2234
General P.O. Box 4797
Portland, Oregon 97208
FedEx/DHL/UPS 401 NE 19th Street, Suite 100
Portland, Oregon 97232
Web www.corvettemarket.com
Corvette Market magazine (ISSN# 1939-6481) is published quarterly
by Automotive Investor Media Group, 401 NE 19th Street, Suite 100,
Portland, OR 97232. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Corvette
Market, PO Box 4797, Portland, OR 97208. The information in Corvette
Market magazine is compiled from a variety of reliable sources.
However, we disclaim and deny any responsibility or liability for the
timeliness, use, interpretation, accuracy, and completeness of the
information presented. All material, data, formats, and intellectual
concepts in this issue © 2008 by Keith Martin's Corvette Market, LLC,
Automotive Investor Media Group, and Automotive Investor in this
format and any other used by Corvette Market magazine. Copyright
registered with the United States copyright office.
PRINTED IN USA
Page 6
Insider's
View
The current state of the Corvette market
You have been asked to find two mid-years for a collection—
one small-block and one big-block car. Which year would
you choose, which engine/transmission options, and what
color? What would you pay and why?
David Burroughs
CEO, Bloomington Gold
Normal, Illinois
That's like asking me to tell someone how
to paint his bedroom.What I would choose is
not necessarily appropriate for what someone
else has to live with. But if the collector
followed my taste it would not be an easy
search.
1. Both cars would be unrestored
originals, with no more than 20% restored or
refinished.
2. The small-block would be a Tuxedo
Black/black 327/350 4-speed 1967 convertible.
3. The big-block would be a Rally Red/red
396/425 4-speed 1965 coupe. (Yes, you'll
roast.)
The 350-hp convertible is a low-main-
tenance, fun driver, and black is always a
classic color. The 396 is a rare and refreshing
change from the ubiquitous '67 435. Red
is a “power color” consistent with the
horsepower, and the red interior makes it a
very rare combination—adding to its value
as a collector car. This would be a visually
exciting pair. Price range for the small-block
convertible would be about $48k–$85k, and
the big-block coupe should set you back
about $70k–$125k.
Colin Comer
President, Colin's Classic Automobiles
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Since no budget or intended use was
mentioned, I will keep in mind my intended
use and the “big picture”—value.
Pick #1: 1963 Z06 Split-Window coupe,
N03, 36-gallon “big tank” car, L84 327/360
fuelie, M20 4-speed. Concours restored with
all real/original parts and its original drivetrain.
Any color except red. For a real car
with air-tight history, no stories, and the right
awards, my target price is $250k–$350k.
I think these cars represent value at a not-
crazy premium over a garden-variety 1963
Split-Window. I'd get just as much enjoyment
as I would from a multi-million-dollar Grand
Sport or a Z06 with great race history.
Pick #2: 1967 L88. Coupe preferred, but
I'd make do with a convertible, of course.
They made 20, and I'd look for the best
example available. You can't choose your
parents, and with 20 cars you can't choose
your color, either. Since all L88s came with
the M22 Rock Crusher 4-speed, F41 suspension,
J56 brakes, etc., I don't even need to
specify options. These are on (or just over)
the ragged edge of streetability, but I don't
care. This is the ultimate big-block Corvette
engine, in arguably the best-looking Corvette
of all. Sign me up. Target price: $1.5–$2m.
I can use and enjoy both on the street, and
if history is any indication, they will appreciate
at the head of the pack.
Kevin Mackay
President, Corvette Repair Inc.
Valley Stream, New York
When it comes to the best mid-year small-
block Corvette, these are my considerations.
The perfect small-block would be a 1967
327/350 with factory air and all options—
leather, sidepipes, headrests, etc.
I personally prefer a coupe; there's more
room and it's quieter. If I bought a convertible,
it would have a hard top, since on a hot
day most people want the a/c on. The hottest
color combination is Tuxedo Black with red
or blue interior.
Although you can't really enjoy driving an
all-out show car, you can enjoy driving a nice
survivor, purchased with good factory paperwork
for under $100k. An original drivetrain
and a no-hit body would be additional perks.
If you have unlimited funds and want
a good investment, consider a factory '67
L88 big-block. You probably can't buy one
for under $2m; they only made 20 and they
rarely come up for sale. Black would be my
first choice, red second. Black was the rarest
color in '67 (815 of 22,940 built), and the
most popular color was Goodwood Green
(4,283 produced).
The ultimate option would be an L88
“tanker” (RPO NO3 36-gallon fuel tank).
This type of Corvette has never been found,
and whether it was ever produced is questionable.
Regardless, this option could easily
double the value of the car.
8 Corvette Market SPRING 2009 www.vettemarket.com
Page 7
Terry Michaelis
President, ProTeam Classic Corvettes
Napoleon, Ohio
Number one: 1963 Corvette Split-Window
coupe with factory fuel injection 327/360 and
4-speed.
Color: Tuxedo Black with red interior,
although I'd settle for black interior. Trim tag
and VIN tag original and never off the car.
Condition: A body-off restored car with
few excuses, or a low-mile survivor in at least
#2 condition.
Awards: Judged by NCRS or Bloomington
Gold in the last five years.
Price range: I'd love to buy it for $125k,
but a “real deal” would be more like
$150k–$175k.
Number two: 1967 427/435 or 427/400
convertible with factory air, 4-speed, and
good options. Factory side exhaust preferred.
Color: One of 815 Tuxedo Black cars with
red or black interior. Trim tag and VIN tag
original and never off the car. Maybe Rally
Red.
Condition: A body-off restored car with
few excuses, or a low-mile survivor in at least
#2 condition.
Awards: Judged by the NCRS or
Bloomington Gold in the last five years.
Documentation: An original-motor car
or an original unrestored car. If the car was
restored with a restoration motor, as much
factory/delivery dealer paperwork (documentation)
as possible—at least a tank sticker,
window sticker, warranty book/Protect-OPlate,
car shipper, or dealer invoice. Subject
to scrutiny by Al Grenning.
Price range: I'd love to pay $275k–$300k,
but a “real deal” car would be closer to
$350k. Rally Red would cost much less.
Roy Sinor
NCRS National Judging Chairman,
1996 to present; Owner, Sinor Prestige
Automobiles, Inc.
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Both cars must be well documented and
unrestored, with the original drivetrain and
preferably undamaged body. A well-restored
example with authentic paperwork or excellent
documentable judging history could be an
alternative.
For the small-block, a 1965 Milano
Maroon/maroon leather 327/365, 4-speed,
convertible, two tops, with air conditioning;
additional options are nice but not necessary.
My estimate is $100k, but be prepared to look
long and hard.
For the big-block, a 1965 Milano Maroon/
maroon leather 396/425, 4-speed, coupe,
with power steering and factory side exhaust.
Additional options are nice, but not necessary.
My estimate is $165k.
Some explanatory notes: Mid-year
Corvettes with a solid color motif such as
red/red, green/green, etc., are the rarest.
Maroon/maroon is extremely rare and only
available in 1965. The 365-hp with a/c was a
two-year-only option on the solid-lifter engine
in 1964 and 1965. These are extremely rare,
particularly in a convertible, with production
somewhere near 40 in 1965. Add the unique
color combination, and there may be only one
or two of them ever built.
The 425-hp car—a half-year-only
option—is also rare, especially with power
steering. Again maybe 40 were built. Add the
maroon/maroon leather combination, and you
may be looking for one or two vehicles.
My second choice would be the identical
combination in opposite body configuration—a
365-hp coupe and a 425-hp convertible.
You could settle for some other colors,
but I'd stay with the 1965 365-hp air-conditioned
convertible and the corresponding
1965 425-hp coupe.
Mike Thelin
General Manager, The Chevy Store,
Portland, Oregon
Most mid-year fanciers would choose a
'67 small-block and big-block. In the smallblock,
I'd pick a coupe with as many options
as possible—air-conditioning, power steering,
power brakes, and the optional 350-hp
motor. It's not necessary to get sidepipes; the
standard exhaust is fine, and I'd want a 4speed.
I'm torn on color. I'm a fan of Tuxedo
Black and black leather, and that may not be a
great choice everywhere, but it works where
I am in the Northwest. With only 815 made,
it's the lowest-production color.
For the big-block convertible I'd want it
heavily optioned, a Rally Red car with black
leather. Both tops if possible, side exhaust
and bolt-on wheels with redlines. I'd take a
427/435—no a/c of course—but a 4-speed.
You can have a 427/400 with an automatic,
but 435 hp with 4-speed would be the choice
of most people. Marlboro Maroon is a popular
color, but my first choice is black, and
leather would be nice.
Low-mileage, original big-block cars are
practically non-existent, but a restored real
car that's not a clone can score high marks.
Prices are a difficult question in this market,
but I'd say the small-block coupe is probably
$60k–$65k and a numbers-matching 427/435
would be about $125k. Both cars have sold
for more, but the market is undergoing a correction
and is coming back to enthusiasts.
www.vettemarket.com SPRING 2009 Corvette Market 9
Page 8
Questions
&Answers
by Colin Comer
Some like it hotter
I'm thinking of buying a
mid-year big-block. 1965
396 or 1966 427—which one is
better?—J.A., Sacramento, CA
Technically speaking,
neither is “better.” Both the
396 and 427 engines are incredibly
robust and have very few
weak points. What it boils down
to is personal preference. The
396 is unique because it is a oneyear-only
fitment in the Corvette,
as well as the first big-block and
the first year for disc brakes and
a host of other improvements to
the Corvette in general.
Now, the '66 427 is also the
first year for the 427, which some
will argue is just as important. If
you want a '66, the early “450”
horsepower examples are touted
as being worth more. That may
be, but under that air cleaner
decal there is no difference. I
think between the '65 and '66
cars in the marketplace, you'll
get more bang for your buck with
the '66.
My advice, as with any
Corvette, is to just look for the
best example you can find, make
sure it is what it purports to be,
and do your homework. I've
owned both '65 396 cars and '66
427 cars and I'd defy anybody to
note a difference in normal driving.
Either way, you can't lose
when you get a good big-block
mid-year. They are a ton of fun;
just don't forget your asbestos
shoes.
Just avoid rainy days
The wipers quit working on
my '58 Corvette. It looks
like a bitch to repair them. Should
I give it a go or just turn it over
to a shop and write the check?
Any idea how much this'll cost
me?—P.K., St. Louis, MO
nearly irresistible urge to tinker
with them.
Hard tops just sit in the
garage
I just bought a pretty good
old 1959. It needs paint
1966 427
If you are patient, pretty
handy with mechanical
things, and willing to study the
factory service manual and
some parts books, you can fix it
yourself. You are correct; it is a
complex Rube Goldberg-esque
design with cables and pulleys,
but like anything else, it's just
nuts and bolts, as they say.
If you do give it a go yourself,
one tip: Don't put the wiper
arms on until you are 100%
positive everything is working
correctly. I've seen lots of paint
jobs scarred up and parts broken
when the wipers go the wrong
way the first time the switch is
flipped.
The alternative is indeed to
let a Corvette specialist fix it for
you. Or you can go the restomod
route and install one of
the kits that converts the whole
works to a more modern system.
Cost? Like anything else these
days, it is likely a time and materials
repair. At $95/hour, you
can expect a $300 repair if you
are lucky, and a $1,000 repair if
you are not.
The parts are cheap and read-
ily available, so doing it yourself
will save the lion's share of the
expense if you don't count your
time. If all this is still daunting,
do nothing and just avoid rainy
days—or buy lots of Rain-X.
10 Corvette Market SPRING 2009 www.vettemarket.com
Resist the urge to tinker
I've been trying to decide
between a big-block C3 with
3x2 carburetion or just a 4-barrel
car. The price difference is significant.
Is the 3x2 setup worth
the extra money, does it give
significantly more performance,
or is it just more trouble to tune?
—D.H., Denver, CO
“Worth” is a relative term.
Functionally, you'd likely
be better with a single 4-barrel
car. They are indeed easier to
tune and offer performance that
is comparable, unless you are
looking for every last tenth of a
second in the quarter mile. The
added performance of the factory
3x2 cars comes more from
changes to the engine specifications
than carburetion.
All things being equal, a
3x2 car will maintain its price
premium over a 4-barrel car, so
if you ever sell you will get the
extra initial cost back, as well
as have more potential buyers,
as high-horse cars are rarer and
much more desirable. As far as
tuning a car with “trips,” find
a good mechanic with a chassis
dyno and have him set them up
once. You'll find when that is
done they will stay in fine tune
for many years. Just resist the
and it doesn't have a hard top.
This seems like the time to get
one and paint the whole thing
together. What should I pay for a
hard top and what should I look
out for in terms of damage and
problems? Is it worth getting one
at all? I'm going to have to replace
the soft top anyway.—J.Y.,
Pasco, WA
If you think you'll actually
USE the hard top, then
yes, it is a neat accessory. The
problem is I bet it would sit in
the garage taking up space most
of the time, if you are like most
people who have one. They look
great installed, but driving with
one on is an acquired taste.
They amplify everything we try
to ignore about our beloved
cars—heat, noise, and rattles.
If you are still in the market,
try Glassworks in Crescent,
Pennsylvania (thehardtopshop
.com), as they sell fully restored
hard tops for around $6k,
unpainted, which isn't that much
more than people have been
getting for beat-up used ones for
years.
If your car has the frame for
the soft top, I highly recommend
putting a new convertible top on
as well. You'll never be able to
predict when you may need it,
although it is usually when you
are farther from home than you
have ever been and there are
no gas stations or overpasses
in sight to provide shelter.
Whatever you decide, good luck
with the new “lid” and congrats
on the pretty good old '59. ■
Please send your questions to questions@vettemarket.com. All submissions subject to editing.
Picking a 396 or a 427?
Both mid-year big-blocks can be a ton of fun; just don't forget your asbestos
shoes, and buy the best example you can find
Page 10
Insider's
View
Event
Guide
Arizona
August 2–8, 2009
Bloomington Gold Tours, Flagstaff
A scenic tour like no other to the Grand
Canyon, then up through Monument Valley
to Mesa Verde and Silverton for a narrowgauge
railroad ride. The week is capped
off by 120 miles on the prettiest road in
America—the Million-Dollar Highway
to Ouray and Telluride. The tour includes
deluxe lodging, fine dining, plenty of group
activities, a welcome basket and car detailing
kit, a commemorative guide, and more.
$3,145. www.bloomingtongoldtours.com.
California
June 18–21, 2009
Corvettes at Lake Tahoe, Lake Tahoe
This long weekend kicks off with a golf
tournament on Thursday, with a run to the
National Auto Museum in Reno on Friday.
Bob Bondurant and Dick Guldstrand join
the festivities on Saturday for a Meet &
Greet, raffle, Corvette show, BBQ lunch,
and plenty of gearhead talk. $135. www
.laketahoecorvetteclub.org.
June 28
All Corvette Gathering, Auburn
Don't miss the People's Choice Show &
Shine, an all-you-can eat Texas BBQ, a
poker run, and a comprehensive awards
ceremony. www.corvettecruzin.com.
July 12–16
NCRS National Convention, San Jose
If you're not already a member, join
now and meet up with hundreds of other
Corvette owners for five days of informative
presentations and tech sessions on a variety
of topics ranging from Corvette documentation
to vintage Corvette racing to Corvette
restoration. The 1959 Corvette will be high-
The current state of the Corvette market
Send your Corvette event listing to cmcalendar@vettemarket.com.
lighted, and there will be Flight Judging,
Performance Verification, Duntov Marque
of Excellence Judging, McLellan Marque of
Excellence Judging, Chevrolet Star/Bowtie
Judging, American Heritage, and special
displays. www.ncrs.org.
August 13–16
Monterey Weekend
The CM crew will be all over the Monterey
Peninsula for the collector car festivities in
mid-August, along with our SCM compatriots.
So look for us at The Quail Motorsports
Gathering, Concorso Italiano, Automobilia
Monterey, Pebble Beach RetroAuto, and at
the Bonhams & Butterfields, Kruse, Russo
and Steele, RM, and Gooding auctions.
www.corvettemarket.com.
Illinois
June 25–28, 2009
Bloomington Gold, St. Charles
Bloomington Gold is the Grand Sport of
Corvette events, and David Burroughs and
company have another packed weekend
planned. In addition to judged events
like Gold Certification, Survivor, and
Benchmark, the GoldField will feature thousands
of Corvettes of every stripe parked on
the fairways of Pheasant Run Resort Golf
Course. Mecum Auctions will be on hand
again to sell hundreds of Corvettes across
the block, with hundreds more for sale
privately in the GoldMine.
The GoldTour, free to all GoldField parBloomington
Gold
12 Corvette Market SPRING 2009 www.vettemarket.com
Page 12
Insider's
View
Event
Guide
The current state of the Corvette market
ticipants, will take drivers on an evening
jaunt through the Illinois countryside, led
by a field of 1959 Corvettes, this year's
50th birthday cars. A Silver Salute will
pay tribute to the 1984, and the Survivor
Collector Car Show will celebrate Survivors
of all makes and models. Finally, Special
Collection XXV, the Grand Finale, will
present the largest concentration of the
rarest and fastest Corvettes in history, highlighted
by cars like the original Corvette
prototype, Grand Sport #001, the only 1969
ZL1, and more. CM Publisher Martin will
emcee the weekend's judging, his wife
Wendie will be at the booth with their twoyear-old
“CM-Intern-in-Training” Bradley,
and the CM gang will be out in full force.
Stop by and say hi. Tickets start at $15.
www.bloomingtongold.com.
June 27–July 3, 2009
Bloomington Gold Tours, St. Charles
This great driving event departs from
Bloomington Gold and includes overnight
stops at Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, and
Road America Racetrack, Door County,
WI, Mackinaw City, Michigan, and the
jewel of the Midwest, Mackinac Island, MI.
Experience your Corvette on a new level.
$3,295. www.bloomingtongoldtours.com.
September 28–27
MidAmerica Funfest, Effingham
This year marks Mike Yager's 35th in business
with MidAmerica Motorworks, and
he's celebrating with another giant Funfest,
NEWS & NOTES
Oregon-based Superior Glass Works has been serving street rodders, drag racers, and restorers for more than 30 years, and they
offer an impressive list of more than 20 custom fiberglass and carbon fiber bodies for rods and racers. On June 2, they released
the limited-edition Superior 54 Sport Wagon.
Styled in tribute to the 1954 GM Motorama Corvette Nomad, the Superior 54 brings those timeless looks to the modern era.
Each of the 25 cars comes as a fully assembled rolling chassis, ready for paint, interior, engine, wiring, and any other personal
touches. Features of the Art Morrison-built custom chassis include power rack-and-pinion steering, Corvette C5 front and rear
fully independent suspension components, choice of a 6-speed manual or automatic transaxle. See it for yourself at Back to
the '50s Weekend June 19–21 in Minneapolis, and at the NSRA Street Rod Nationals in Louisville August 6–9. For more information,
visit www.superior54.com.
Send your Corvette event listing to cmcalendar@vettemarket.com.
Hot August Nights
full of special guests, custom exhaust installation,
industry seminars and tech tips, a
“Best Garage” contest, plenty of room for
Corvette clubs, and enough nighttime partying
on Friday and Saturday to last a lifetime.
Tickets start at $25. www.corvettefunfest
.com.
Kentucky
September 3–6, 2009
Corvette Museum 15th Anniversary,
Bowling Green
Special displays at this big party will
include a place for the “Firsts and Lasts”
showing the first and last model of each
generation of Corvettes, entertainment in
the museum's amphitheater, daily arrivals of
Corvette Caravans from across the U.S., the
completed renovation of the entire Corvette
Museum, and plenty more. www.corvettemuseum.com.
Nevada
July 31–August 9, 2009
Hot August Nights, Reno
More than 800,000 people descend on “The
Biggest Little City in the World” during
HAN for a week of concerts, sock hops, the
Silver Auction, and an endless stream of
Corvettes, hot rods, and customs cruising
the strip. Most events are free. www.hotaugustnights.com.
14 Corvette Market SPRING 2009 www.vettemarket.com
Page 14
Insider's
View
Event
Guide
The current state of the Corvette market
Send your Corvette event listing to cmcalendar@vettemarket.com.
Auction Calendar
JUNE
1—SHANNONS
Melbourne, AUS
Corvettes at Carlisle
Pennsylvania
August 28–30
Corvettes at Carlisle, Carlisle
This Corvette mega-event will feature a
reunion of Corvette race cars from every
generation, special guest Mario Andretti,
track time at Summit Point, GM honchos
on hand to answer questions throughout the
weekend, a 50th birthday tribute to the '59,
an NCRS Gallery of 22 Corvettes, a gathering
of Corvette Challenge cars, a special
open-throttle tribute to Carlisle Events
co-founder Chip Miller, and so much more.
Don't miss it. Tickets start at $14. www
.carsatcarlisle.com.
South Dakota
July 15–18, 2009
Black Hills Corvette Classic, Sioux Falls
A weekend full of Corvette-centric events,
including a Hot Summer Nites cruise
through downtown Sioux Falls, a 400-mile
Caravan to Spearfish, dubbed as one of the
world's longest and largest Corvette caravans,
tech inspection, wine tasting, a social
and mixer, lots of racing, and tours to some
of the state's most spectacular scenic spots.
Starts at $135. www.blackhillscorvetteclassic.com.
Vermont
June 12–14, 2009
Green Mountain Corvette Classic, Stowe
An impressive field of Corvettes will
compete for honors in various classes
representing more than five decades of
production. Lots of Corvette memorabilia, a
Corvette corral for prospective buyers, food
and beverages throughout the weekend, and
more. www.thecorvetteclassic.com. ■
ERRATA
In our coverage of the Corvette Market
Insider's Seminar (CM6), we incorrectly
quoted Jim Jordan on p. 17 with regard
to Corvette Challenge cars. Those cars
were built in 1988–90, not 1993–95.
16 Corvette Market SPRING 2009 www.vettemarket.com
7—BONHAMS &
BUTTERFIELDS
Greenwich, CT
10—H&H
Buxton, UK
12-14—LEAKE
Tulsa, OK
13—KENSINGTON
Bridgehampton, NY
13—SILVER
Coeur d'Alene, ID
15-16—BARONS
Surrey, UK
19-20—WORLDWIDE
Birmingham, AL
20—KRUSE
Sevierville, TN
20—KRUSE
Topsfield, MA
20—MECUM
St. Paul, MN
24—BRIGHTWELLS
Herefordshire, UK
26-27—AUCTIONS
AMERICA
Raleigh, NC
26-27—MECUM
St. Charles, IL
27—ICA
Providence, RI
JULY
3—BONHAMS
Sussex, UK
4-5—SILVER
Jackson Hole, WY
10-12—KRUSE
San Jose, CA
11—SILVER
Spokane, WA
12—SHANNONS
Sydney, AUS
17-18—BUD WARD
Denver, CO
17-18—MECUM
Des Moines, IA
18—ICA
St. Paul, MN
18—THE COLLECTOR CAR
AUCTION
Bowling Green, KY
22—H&H
Buxton, UK
25—BONHAMS
Silverstone, UK
25—ICA
Birmingham, AL
25—KRUSE
Denver, CO
27-28—BARONS
Surrey, UK
AUGUST
1—KRUSE
Charleston, SC
1—RM
Rochester, MI
6-9—SILVER
Reno, NV
8—KRUSE
Verona, NY
13-15—RM
Monterey, CA
13-15—RUSSO AND STEELE
Monterey, CA
14—BONHAMS
Carmel, CA
15—MECUM
Monterey, CA
15-16—GOODING
Pebble Beach, CA
23—ICA
Deadwood, SD
28—CARLISLE
Carlisle, PA
31—SHANNONS
Melbourne, AUS
SEPTEMBER
2-8—KRUSE
Auburn, IN
5—WORLDWIDE
Auburn, IN
5-6—SILVER
Sun Valley, ID
6—BONHAMS & GOODMAN
Sydney, AUS
7-8—BARONS
Surrey, UK
11-12—BONHAMS &
BUTTERFIELDS
Tacoma, WA
11-12—COX
Branson, MO
12—MECUM
Canal Winchester, OH
12—ICA
Little Rock, AR
16—H&H
Buxton, UK
19—ICA
Sioux Falls, SD
19—LEAKE
Houston, TX
23—BRIGHTWELLS
Herefordshire, UK
26—BONHAMS &
BUTTERFIELDS
Brookline, MA
26—ICA
Springfield, IL
26—RM
Los Angeles, CA
26—SILVER
Portland, OR
30-OCT 4—CARLISLE
Carlisle, PA
Page 16
Top
Flight
New to New in 48 years (and 91,551 miles)
In 1981, I started a body-off restoration with my then-14-year-old son. We
managed to reduce it to a body and chassis and a bunch of boxes
by John Apen
T
here's nothing like a recession to bring prices down, and I can thank the one in
1959–60 for supplying the only brand new car I ever bought.
When I was in college at Berkeley, California, in 1956, one of my fraternity brothers
returned from home driving a new Corvette. I never got a ride, but after admiring
it (and the girls he attracted), I swore that someday I would own such a neat car.
Four years later, having graduated, gotten a job at the prestigious Bell Telephone
Research Laboratories in New Jersey, and earning over $100/week (while also pursuing a
master's degree), I started tracking used Corvettes. Finally, in late 1960, the transmission
in my 1949 Olds 98 Holiday hard top gave out when I tried to “rock” it out of a snow
drift.
So I called Malcolm Konner Chevrolet, which had an independent Corvette sales
center, and talked to Corvette salesman Bob Wasserman about a used '58 they had advertised.
Bob said why not buy a new 1960? And when I said I couldn't afford a new
car, he started talking significant discounts. It had not been a good sales year and he
had seven left-over '60s to move. I called several times and every time I asked for more
details, the price dropped another $200 or so—about $2,000 in today's money.
Finally I was able to borrow a car from a fellow lab employee and get to see the cars in
Paramus, NJ. And there, under a foot of snow, sat brand new Corvettes. With a broom we
swept enough snow off to see the colors, and I picked out a Honduras Maroon car with
the $16.15 optional white coves. Final price was $3,436 for a base-engined 283/230 car
with the optional 4-speed transmission, Positraction rear end, whitewalls, thermo cooling
fan, deluxe heater, and signal seeking radio. List was $4,520. According to Edmund's
new car pricing guide, it appeared I was getting it for below dealer's wholesale. So there
was a silver lining in that recession.
My wife drove it to her teaching job for a year, and I took the bus to work. Then
disaster struck Carol, when a 16-year-old driver whose license was three weeks old ran
a stop sign and spread the Corvette front end over a Chatham, NJ, street. The insurance
company declared it totaled, and I bought the wreck, since I figured I could fix it for less
than the settlement money.
It took me and a friend over a year of hard work to graft on a hand laid-up, one-piece
front end from a boat outfit in San Francisco and to replace all the other mangled pieces.
There was no parts list for the Corvette and no assembly manual when we started.
Somehow we cobbled it back together; it looked decent and ran well.
My wife and I drove it twice to San Diego from New Jersey in the mid 1960s, on
Route 66, naturally. It was our only car for about six years, and then I used it to get to
work in Baltimore and Atlanta for 14 years, until a minor accident relegated it to the
basement. In 1981, I started a body-off restoration with my then-14-year-old son, and
we managed to take everything apart and reduce it to a body and chassis and a bunch of
boxes. There it sat for 26 years, while I concentrated on my Ferrari parts business and
dealership.
Carol Apen and the '60 Corvette
What to do with the car in the boxes?
With a move to Orlando looming in 2007, I had three
choices for my 1960 Corvette:
1. Restore it, which everyone knows doesn't make any
economic sense.
2. Sell it—lots of guys wanted to buy it because of all
the original parts. Offers were around $20k.
3. Move the pieces to Orlando and think about it for
another 20 years. A friend who was into solid-axle
Corvettes recommended David Dew, a local guy.
Then a Corvette expert from our informal Atlanta
lunch group came up with the same name, and
finally my dental hygienist, whose husband was
restoring a '59, raved about a beautiful restoration
she had just seen at a Tennessee NCRS meet.
It too was done by David Dew. The die was cast;
Dew came, inventoried, and then quoted me what
I thought was a reasonable price to do a “correct
driver” restoration, and he would do it in under a
year.
I had restored a number of Ferraris over the years,
Those aren't factory fasteners
18 Corvette Market SPRING 2009 www.vettemarket.com
and Dew's figures sounded like hallucinations from an
inexperienced dreamer, but he'd done 20 complete restorations
in the last 15 years, and everyone had high praise
about his work and honesty. The “correct driver” restoration
was fine with me, because I had no intention of ever
selling it. I fantasized about one of my grandkids at a future
car show, telling an admirer, “It's been in the family
for 100 years.” With only another 52 to go, I had the only
sensible reason to restore it. It is a family member.
Page 18
Top
Flight
Wearing a new color, and ready for the next 51 years
The plans change early on
As the disassembly progressed and the parts were cataloged, Dew suggested we go
for an NCRS “Top Flight” restoration, because he was enthralled with all the original
parts. Of course, everyone knows that if a 95-point car costs $100k, those last five points
will cost another $100k.
This can be true for exotic one-offs, but several mitigating factors come into play to
make those last five points more reasonable where Corvettes are concerned.
1. Top Flight requires “only” 94 points, so you can avoid spending $10,000 each for
those last few points.
2. The knowledge, support, and proper reproduction parts availability are fantastic.
3. Most important is the fact that the proper parts, finishes, and original markings are
detailed on hundreds of pages of the NCRS judging manuals and judging sheets.
It's not a “show” restoration
The work proceeded, and unlike many of my earlier restorations, where I had to get
intimately involved with the bits that were needed, I just wrote checks for $40k worth of
parts, which were entrusted to experienced sub-contractors. Several of these experts had
their own Top Flight early Corvettes to prove their dedication to the gods of originality.
The whole point of Top Flight is that it is not a “show” restoration; it's supposed to be
just like it came from the factory. As one judge said when he opened the cowl vent and
saw the overspray on the gasket and the yellow trim cement smeared around: “Perfect,
a real mess.” Any good craftsman can spray a completely disassembled car without getting
overspray on components. But that is not the goal. You have to know what pieces
are supposed to have overspray.
The point is to recreate the car as it was assembled nearly 50 years ago. Seeing it for
the first time the morning of judging brought back memories from the day I originally
picked it up; it was neat, but also a little disappointing, because it had flaws.
The day of judgment arrives
Last January, a cold, foggy Florida morning welcomed the entrants and the judges
for a quick “What to Expect” meeting. The six-hour judging process, with ten to 15
judges, was set for 8 am. The chief judge, in an attempt to diffuse anxiety, detailed the
process. Five teams of two judges each spend about an hour on each of five areas—
operation, mechanical, interior, exterior, and chassis. Some teams had extra judges—
guys in training—and the chief judge of each area could also join a team.
The chief judge made the point that the Florida NCRS region has an unusually large
number of experienced national judges, so if you did well at this Florida regional level,
you would do well at national NCRS meets. Also, with the high level of accurate scrutiny,
one could also learn a lot about your car's shortcomings.
After six hours, the verdict was in: We lost only 77 points—out of 4,500—so we
scored an impressive 98.3 on a 100-point scale. David Dew did just fine, even better than
he was aiming for. And there are at least six relative minor items that can be fixed by
20 Corvette Market SPRING 2009 www.vettemarket.com
spending less than $25 a point. Dew has a very pragmatic
view of not spending more than that per point. For example,
you lose four points on the reproduction Firestone
tires because they have the federally mandated DOT
markings, but to avoid losing those four points, you'd have
to find an original set costing $10,000 to $15,000—tires
you probably couldn't even drive on.
Despite the voluminous judging manuals, there are
still items where different opinions are possible. After
having eight Top Flight cars in the past, Dew still lost
points for items that he had never lost points on before.
But unlike Ferrari club and classic car judges, you can
actually discuss each deduction, and then sign off on the
judge's deduction sheet (and turn in an evaluation sheet
on each judge when they finish).
I've never been through anything like it in 15 years of
entering concours. The judges were friendly, and the conversations
were civil and diplomatic. My original invoice
from 48 years ago, along with my maintenance records
showing $8 for a 1979 water pump (now $90), brought
much reminiscing.
The restoration included some expenses that were
accident-related. For example, the 1963 crash added the
following: a complete new front end, press-molded, for
$5,280, plus $2,500 for body shop to install. Total cost
was $7,800—money I wouldn't have spent on an accident-free
body.
I'd also count about another $2,000 repairing other
accident damage and replacing incorrect parts from the
earlier crash (for example, the radiator support piece
was from a '62, which was fine for a driver but not for an
NCRS car. I had to buy a new '60 piece for $260).
A signal-seeking radio cost me $900—when I bought
the car I had the radio taken out, saved $80 bucks, and
bought a junkyard '57 Chevy radio that fit. The hard top
cost about $1k for restoration, new paint, and new headliner.
The total cost to revive my car was just under
$90,000—a real bargain—which worked out at 98 cents
a mile. And now it's ready for the next 51 years, and my
family will have a “one-family-owned for a century”
Corvette. ■
Page 20
Night at
the Museum
Bench Racing with the Gods
“At the end of the Mulsanne Straight, there's a bump. Zora told me that after I
hit it, I should lift long enough to say ‘Tondelea Schwartzkopf' before braking”
by Don Klein
F
or one magical day last fall, the
Petersen Automotive Museum felt
like a frat house on Homecoming
Weekend. A bunch of the old
brothers came back to swap tales of the
glory days at the museum's “Tribute
to Corvette Racing” celebration. Guys
with names like Bondurant, Guldstrand,
Jeffords, and Fitch—hard-core racers
who took an ill-handling, underpowered
two-seater and developed it into
an American racing icon.
That transformation didn't come easily. GM management in the mid-1950s and early 1960s was typified by strong-
A night of legends at the Petersen
willed men with independent agendas. For every bigwig who championed racing, there was one eager to squelch it. To
make matters worse, in 1957, GM joined the other major manufacturers in banning factory racing support. Although
the ban was erratically enforced—and arguably facilitated racing development programs through secret “back door”
efforts—the fact remains that the early days of Corvette racing were frustrating and difficult.
The tales of the elders
Testimony to those difficulties was given by John Fitch. At 91, Fitch is one of the few remaining elder statesmen of
the entire sport, let alone Corvette racing. In early 1956, recently returned from his stint with the fabled Mercedes-Benz
factory team, Fitch was tapped by Chevrolet Chief Engineer Ed Cole to prep a field of four Corvettes for the 12 Hours
of Sebring. By the time Fitch signed on, race day was just five weeks away. Corvette “Godfather” Zora Arkus-Duntov
had already turned down the assignment, claiming it couldn't be done that quickly.
“To give you an idea of what we were up against,” said Fitch, “the cars had stock wheels which literally broke away
from their hubs and flew off the cars at high speeds. And we had to compete with Ferraris, Jaguars, Aston Martins…
cars with years of racing development. Looking back, it's a miracle we finished at all.” Yet two of Fitch's Corvettes not
only finished, but took first in class. Plus, they were awarded the overall team prize. And with that, Corvette's racing
dynasty was officially under way.
Under the able orchestration of moderator Tim Considine, the drivers shared both memories and secrets. Bob
Bondurant, who won 18 out of 20 races in 1959, recalled that aggressive driving and crowded fields caused so much
fiberglass carnage that the only way he could afford to race a Corvette was by having a body shop sponsor him, noting
with a wink that “every time a panel was replaced, it was somehow lighter than the one I started the race with.”
Who was Tondelea Schwartzkopf?
Corvette Hall of Famer Dick Guldstrand revealed Duntov's tip about nursing brakes at LeMans. “At the end of the
Mulsanne Straight, there's a bump,” he said. “Zora told me that after I hit it, I should lift long enough to say ‘Tondelea
Schwartzkopf' before braking. I'm still not sure who Tondelea was, but that little pause was enough to make the brakes
last longer.” Guldstrand also related what it was like to drive the red, white, and blue 7-liter beast from Orly airport to
the track through the cheering crowds, exhaust belching from the open sidepipe headers. Tony DeLorenzo, Bill Krause,
Andy Porterfield, and Doug Hooper contributed similar memories.
Some of the stories had little to do with racing per se, but lots to do with the colorful race scene of the time. Jim
Jeffords told a tale involving vacationing nurses, Zora Arkus-Duntov and the back seat of a VW bug. There was also
something about hookers in Cuba and statuesque trophy girls. And someone finally set the record straight about how
Bondurant earned the nickname “Matinee Bob” (it had nothing to do with going to the movies).
The evening was capped by GM Racing Manager Doug Fehan, who spearheaded the return to open factory support
for Corvette racing in the late '90s and has guided the team to eight straight American Le Mans Series victories. After
adding some first-hand recollections of his own, Fehan made a point that underscored the tremendous accomplishments
of Corvette's early racing pioneers. “Today, we have multi-million dollar budgets and multi-year development
programs. These guys had virtually no corporate support and were expected to get production cars race-ready in a
handful of weeks. They are truly the heroes of Corvette racing.” ■
DON KLEIN sold his NYC ad agency twelve years ago and has been playing with—and writing about—cars ever
since. A frequent contributor to AutoWeek, he was Editor-in-Chief of Mercedes Momentum for eight years.
22 Corvette Market SPRING 2009 www.vettemarket.com
TRIBUTE GUESTS
Bob Bondurant
Tony DeLorenzo
Bob D'Olivo
John Fitch
Joe Freitas
Lou Gigliotti (current
driver)
Dick Guldstrand
Doug Hooper
Gib Hufstader
Jim Jeffords
Davey Jordan
Bill Krause
Scooter Patrick
Bill Pollack
Andy Porterfield
Paul Reinhart
Sherry MacDonald
(Dave's widow)
THE CARS
On display were a
number of significant
racing Corvettes,
including Rich and
Shar Mason's '56 SR-2;
Loren Lundberg's
1960 Camoradi Le
Mans team car;
Bruce Meyer's '60
Cunningham Le
Mans team car; Larry
Bowman's '63 Grand
Sport; Jim Mangione's
'63 Z06; Paul Andrews's
'62 Gulf Oil team car;
Vic Edelbrock, Jr.'s '63
Z06, and Tom McIntyre's
'63 427 Mk ll “Mystery
Motor” engine.
The Petersen Automotive Museum
Page 22
Corvettes
in Canada
All the Special Corvettes Came Out
“People tend to think Corvette, rather than Chevrolet Corvette. The model is
more recognizable than the brand,” said Bob Lutz
by Norm Mort
was represented by cars from
the first and last years), all the
Corvette Indy Pace Cars from
1978, 1986, 1998, and 2007, the
Anniversary models commemorating
the 40th and 50th years
of Corvette production, and two
of the prototypes highlighting
the evolutionary changes along
the way.
There were five vehicles on
display from GM's 200-vehicle
Heritage Center in Sterling
Heights, Michigan. In particular,
the 1963 Mako Shark and
1969 Manta Ray were shown
together for the first time outside
GM.
Now more commonly re-
Ron Fellows Z06, one of many stars in Canada
I
t may come as a surprise to our American cousins,
but we Canadians buy more convertibles per capita
than Americans. In fact, Canadians love sports
cars—especially Corvettes. Canadian enthusiasts
have always been eager to purchase 'Vettes, most often
“special” limited-edition models. The biggest problem
over the decades has always been factory allotment.
A run of 2,000 specially equipped models might
translate into 200 for all Canadian Chevrolet dealers, of
which there are approximately 350, though numbers are
dwindling. Many more Corvettes could probably find
good homes, but supply is the problem.
The Corvette remains, as Karl Ludvigsen put it,
“America's Star-Spangled Sports Car,” and that was reinforced
once again at the 2009 Canadian International
Auto Show in Toronto this spring.
While most international auto shows around the
world dabble in collector vehicle displays, Toronto has a
tradition of featuring grandiose presentations of everything
from Ferrari to Bugatti.
This year, the big theme was “Corvette: An
American Legend,” sponsored by Castrol Canada and
located in the outer foyer leading into the History Room,
which housed the majority of the Corvettes at the Metro
Convention Center. The ten-day event was hosted by the
Corvette Club of Ontario, which was formed in 1962.
The CCO was Canada's first Corvette club and is also
the largest. Of the 29 Corvettes on display, enthusiasts
in the CCO supplied 14.
The display featured all models (each generation
24 Corvette Market SPRING 2009 www.vettemarket.com
ferred to as the Mako Shark I,
the Mako Shark was originally
the 1961 XP-755 Shark concept
from Bill Mitchell that was designed
by Larry Shinoda with
a double-bubble top complete with a periscope. By 1964, now bearing the name Mako
Shark, this experimental vehicle had transformed into a full roadster and was powered
by a supercharged 427. Other changes included a restyled, simulated wood dash and
cast alloy lace wheels. The shark-like appearance was enhanced by its restyled snout,
gills, and dark blue to fade-away white paint. Forty-five years later, it still stopped
visitors in their tracks.
Inside the History Room, the 1969 Manta Ray sat front and center, surrounded
by all the generations of Corvettes. The dramatic-looking Manta Ray evolved from
a former show car—the Mako Shark II—with a modified front end, including a chin
spoiler, cleaner, smoother flanks with less conspicuous sidepipes, the removal of the
rear window louvers, and the addition of a sleeker extended tail.
The first-off-the-line (V5100001) 1997 C5 convertible, the 1986 C4 Pace Car coupe,
and a 1953 Roadster were the other offerings supplied by GM Heritage.
Another highly visible Corvette was the personal 2006 Z06 owned by Canadian-
born Corvette racer Ron Fellows, who lent his name to the special-edition model
in 2007. Much of the equipment Chevy and Fellows added to this car found its way
on to the 2007 Ron Fellows ALMS GT1 Champion Corvette Z06, which dominated
the GT1-class in the ALMS. Fellows was on hand throughout the show to talk about
Corvettes and to sign autographs.
A few years back in a press presentation about brand names, Bob Lutz observed that
in the case of the Corvette, the Chevrolet association had virtually been lost. “People
tend to think Corvette or 'Vette, rather than Chevrolet Corvette. It's a case where the
model is more recognizable than the brand.” His opinion was visibly illustrated at this
Corvette display; there was no “Chevy” connection in any of the signage. Just another
example of how this huge company has lost its way—when it can't even capitalize on
one of its few strengths to reinforce its brand. ■
NORM MORT has written columns about and authored five books on collector vehicles
and sports cars over the past 25 years. He is the owner of CIA Car Appraisals
in Canada.
Page 24
Once
Over
Two Minutes to Evaluate a Mid-Year
At the front corners of the hood surround, running your finger on the underside
toward the fenders will tell you the story of a lifetime
by Jim Jordan
W
hen I am interested in the potential purchase of
a mid-year, the basic condition can usually be
determined rather quickly, without getting into
close examination of hidden serial numbers
and intensive interrogation of the owner.
Just like any car, the first glance will tell you a lot.
Here's what I look for:
Stance
Does the car sit right at all four corners? The center
body line should run parallel to the ground up to the
front of the wheel opening of the front fenders, where it
tapers down. There should be no sagging on any corner.
If there is, that's not the end of the evaluation, but further
examination is warranted.
Standard suspension vs. heavy-duty suspension will
have a different stance, with the latter sitting an inch or
so lower.
While looking at the body lines, a once-over of the
paint can be made. A trained eye will determine paint
and bodywork quality and type quickly.
Body
Mid-years had distinct body features, and in most in-
stances gap tolerances were on the tight side. Headlights
had smaller rather than larger gaps, in the 1/8-inch range.
Gaps of 1/4 inch can signify inferior workmanship and
collision damage.
If the hood is up, a close look at the upper surround
gutter can tell many stories. A clean, unaltered, undamaged
lip with the correct widths is a good sign. One with
tears, cracks, etc. can mean the engine was in and out
more times than could be counted, meaning a not-sodesirable
street or strip racing past.
What does the upper surround gutter reveal?
Another quick determination is one that will take practice but will tell the story of
a lifetime. At the front corners of the hood surround where the hood abuts, running
your finger on the underside of the surround toward the fenders will tell you a story.
It should be free of filler and should feel like 320-grit sandpaper to the touch. If it is
smooth to the touch it could have been replaced with a reproduction surround or entire
front. They just don't feel the same, and this is a simple examination that can be done
discreetly as well.
This area is also the weak link of the fiberglass front and will crack with the lightest
of impacts. No damage here means a lot. If filler is felt or the surface is too smooth, a
good look at the frame is next. The area around the front
coil springs toward the center section will buckle under
impact, and any wrinkles will
indicate prior collision
damage. While under the car, take a quick look for chassis
rust in the usual areas of the rear frame section, as well as
chassis component condition.
Performed correctly, the above inspection can be done
in a few minutes and will separate a mediocre car from a
very good one.
If the car passes muster, then I keep on moving to the
major components, engine stamp, trim tag, and interior
condition, etc. If it fails the two-minute test, I just move on
to the next car. There are just too many Corvettes out there
to start out with one that has serious needs. ■
Should not be sagging if restored
26 Corvette Market SPRING 2009 www.vettemarket.com
JIM JORDAN is the president of County Corvette in West
Chester, Pennsylvania.
Page 26
C1 profile
1958 283/245 Convertible
Rarity of color means nothing on early Corvettes, since the color is not
documented on the car's data plate and there are no records to validate
by John Apen
Chassis number: J58S101733
A
lthough the cars built from 1953 to 1955 introduced the Corvette to America,
it was the 1956 second series that truly earned the title “America's Sports Car.”
The clean good looks of Harley Earl's new body design struck a chord with
the American public, and it quickly outsold the older style by three to one.
In addition, Zora Arkus-Duntov and Chevrolet Engineering had dramatically altered
the personality of Chevrolet's sports car with powerful small-block V8 engines and
improved handling.
For 1958, the Corvette featured greater comfort, and its appearance was revised with
the first quad headlights. 1958-only touches including a louvered “washboard” hood
treatment and twin chrome decklid strips, consistent with the increased use of chrome.
Performance continued to be emphasized, and the 245-hp, dual-quad 283 ensured the
Corvette was competitive, with quarter-mile times in the 15-second range.
Chevrolet produced 9,168 Corvettes in 1958, and it was the first and only year in
the C1 generation that yellow was available; only 455 were produced. Yellow was not
offered on a Corvette again until 1965. And while most people assume that all 1956 to
'61 Corvettes had a contrasting color in the cove, it was a $16.15 option, and only 37%
had it. Of those, only 190 of the Panama Yellow cars had white coves.
Displaying a full professional restoration completed in 2008 by Rick Adams, owner
of RadAir in Minnesota, this fine Corvette received a 97.9% score for its originality
and quality, earning the coveted Bloomington Gold Award in 2008.
As expected of a show-quality restoration, the Corvette's fit and finish are out-
standing. The car is one of 2,436 dual-quad 283s, with hydraulic lifters for easier
maintenance. It has a 4-speed transmission, Positraction rear axle, signal seeking
radio, courtesy lights and charcoal upholstery, as well as both tops. Award-winning
and rare, this Corvette is an excellent example with a striking Panama Yellow finish.
28 Corvette Market SPRING 2009 www.vettemarket.com
Details
Years Produced 1958–60
Number Produced 1958, 9,168; 245hp, 1,417
Original List Price Base: $3,591. As equipped: $4,525.45
CM Valuation $44,000–$83,000
Tune-up $200–$400
Distributor Cap $35, NCRS approved reproduction
Chassis # On left door hinge pillar post
Engine #
Partial VIN and engine ID code
stamped on pad located in front
of right cylinder head
Club Solid Axle Corvette Club;
National Corvette Restorers Society
More www.solidaxle.org;
www.ncrs.org
Alternatives
1955–57 Ford Thunderbird,
1954 Kaiser-Darrin,
1954 Woodill Wildfire
CM Investment
Grade B
Photos: RM Auctions
Page 27
CM Analysis This Corvette sold for $129,800, including buyer's premium, at RM's
Automobiles of Amelia Island auction on March 14, 2009. Nicely pre-
sented in an eye-catching color, it was a tribute to proper restoration and how it
should be presented. Restorer Rick Adams was with the car for most of the two days,
answering questions and showing a trunkful of documents detailing this car's history,
restoration, and the 17 judging sheets from the Bloomington Gold award, with judges'
comments on hundreds of nit-picking details. It scored 97.9 points and had fewer than
ten miles since its beautiful restoration.
A 1959 with similar mechanicals, a 245-hp dual-carb, 4-speed car, sold at the
Branson Auction in Missouri for $61,800 a month later. That car, in silver with white
coves, was also described as having a complete restoration, yet sold for less than half
the price of the Amelia Island car. So what accounts for this huge difference in price?
There are strong lessons here about what “restoration” means and its validation in
the Corvette world.
Let's look at the difference between a '58 and '59
The catalog for the Branson 1959 Corvette stated: “Inca Silver with white coves
and a red interior. Powered by a numbers-matching, 283-ci, 245-hp V8 with dual
factory 4-barrel carburetors. A complete restoration has been performed, including
a new interior, new paint, and excellent chrome. Options include Wonderbar radio,
heater, and both hard and soft tops. The trunk is fitted with the correct spare, mat,
board, and cardboard.”
Let's compare the two cars. There's not much difference in desirability between
the '58 and '59, although some critics decried the trunk chrome spears and the 18 fake
hood louvers of the '58 when it was new and still consider them styling excesses. But
while the '59 and '60 models are practically identical, the '58 belongs to a category
by itself, and you either love it or hate it. Today, because of its uniqueness, it tends to
bring higher prices.
Of four popular price guides, three value the '58 higher, by a few thousand dollars,
although some enthusiasts say the '58 is worth up to $10k more. Still, the big difference
in the prices achieved at these two auctions has to be the bidders' perception of what
type of restoration they were getting. The cost of an NCRS Top Flight restoration vs.
a “driver” restoration adds about $15k–$25k to a body-off restoration that already
runs around $80k–$120k.
Another factor played up in the catalog descriptions was the rarity of the color
scheme—only 190 '58 Panama Yellow cars with white coves were originally produced.
The combination of silver with white coves, on the '59, only appeared on 220
cars. But there's a hitch: rarity of color means nothing on these early Corvettes, since
the original color is not documented anywhere on the car's data plate, and there are
no factory records to validate color or equipment.
Any color, with or without contrasting coves, is permissible, so long as the colors
were available in that year. So it is entirely possible that of the 190 yellow/white cars,
only 400 have survived, and the national judging bodies don't deduct points for color
changes. Color is a preference, not a rarity or value factor. And while the yellow car
attracted a lot of attention, CM's reporter on the scene
at Branson, Chuck Leighton, said “the silver looked
amazing,” at least from 20 feet.
Nobody around and no documentation
However, when he got close it was evident that the
“restoration” was not recent, not to NCRS standards,
and had not held up well. The paint had cracks, and
the door jambs showed masking tape lines. The interior
indicated recent dyeing. The dash appeared to have
been removed to either dye or replace the vinyl pad and
now didn't fit and “was obviously forced into place.”
The perhaps once-correct engine bay had fuel-stained
carbs, and the repro factory stickers had been damaged
by none-too-subtle pressure washing. So it was basically
a decent driver with an older, tired restoration.
And there was nobody around and no documentation
of the restoration or any hint of it passing scrutiny by
marque judges. All of this adds up to the difference between
the two prices.
So buyer beware: solid-axle Corvettes are not rare,
and in most cases, there isn't any way to determine what
colors, options, engines, or transmissions originally
came with the car. Value depends heavily on whether
the restoration has passed the scrutiny of Top Flight or
Bloomington Gold judging. As Rick Adams, the restorer
of the yellow '58 said, “I'm not much of a salesman. I
find it difficult to say a car is NCRS ready or restored
to NCRS standards. I just get them judged and provide
the judging sheets to the buyer so they can see what they
are getting.”
The way to buy a proper Corvette is to examine the
judging sheets, which represent over 100 hours of scrutiny
by knowledgeable judges, or to buy a driver at half
the price and just have fun using it. Decide what you
want and how much you want to spend. I would call both
of these cars fairly sold and fairly bought, with prices
representative of the quality of the underlying restorations.
■
(Introductory description courtesy of RM Auctions.)
JOHN APEN is a collector, historian, and former
vintage racer in Orlando. He owns several vintage
Ferraris and a 1960 Corvette he's had since day one.
www.vettemarket.com SPRING 2009 Corvette Market 29
Page 28
C2 profile
1964 350 Convertible Resto-Mod
Someone liked this car well enough to pay real money for it, when a
genuine disc-brake 1965 convertible could be had for a similar investment
by John L. Stein
Chassis number: 40867S108132
I
ntroduced in 1963, the Bill Mitchell-designed Corvette Sting Ray was a quantum
leap in the Corvette's ongoing development. Equipped with a revolutionary yet
simple independent rear suspension conceived by Zora Arkus-Duntov, the Corvette
matured into a true sports car.
Continuously improved, the Corvette featured an ever-expanding list of avail-
able engine and transmission combinations, and offered high performance, nimble
handling, and cutting-edge styling. The 327-ci small-block V8 engine was a highly
developed and formidable performer, available in four levels of tune ranging from
250 to 375 horsepower in 1964. As a result, the Corvette was, and continues to be, the
standard by which other sports cars are judged.
This truly outstanding 1964 Corvette convertible was originally built in December
1963. Today, it benefits from a concours-level restoration, and it is presented in as-new
condition throughout. Finished in Ermine White with a Saddle Tan leather interior,
the Corvette is powered by a small-block V8 with a single four-barrel carburetor and
backed by a Muncie M20 4-speed manual transmission. Other very desirable features
include P48 knockoff wheels, A31 power windows, the N11 off-road side-mounted
exhaust system, and upgraded power disc brakes. It will certainly make a welcome
entry into many competitive Corvette shows and events, and will provide a thrilling
top-down driving experience.
CM Analysis This car sold for $71,500, including buyer's premium, at RM's Classic
Next to Mogadishu or maybe Baghdad, I can't think of a worse place than Detroit
Car Auction of Michigan in Novi, Michigan, on April 25, 2009.
30 Corvette Market SPRING 2009 www.vettemarket.com
Details
Years Produced 1964
Number Produced 13,925
Original List Price $4,037
CM Valuation $39,000–$68,000
Tune-up $400–500
Distributor Cap $25
Chassis # Cross brace under glovebox
Engine # On block in front of right cylinder
head
Club National Corvette Restorers Society
More www.ncrs.org
Alternatives
1967–68 Shelby GT350,
1963–67 Austin-Healey 3000,
1964–67 Jaguar XKE
CM Investment
Grade B
Photos: RM Auctions
Page 29
to try selling a collector car last spring. With abandoned
real estate available for virtually nothing, two of the
Big Three teetering at the precipice of doom, almighty
Pontiac and Oldsmobile in history's dustbin, and the
ugly specter of Big Brother further commanding the car
business, it's a wonder anyone had the jones to buy anything
at all. But there it was—a bright-white '64 Sting
Ray small-block convertible, paddled up to an impressive
$71,500 at the gavel.
Anybody who's awake and alert is learning some valu-
able financial lessons these days, and the consensus in the
collector car world is that top-quality, desirable models
will hold more of their value for longer than iffy, lowerrange
cars, or any vehicle with stories. Another lesson is
that there is still real money out there (witness the $12.4
million Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa sold in Maranello, Italy,
on May 17); a lot of folks still have cash and credit available,
and many others, such as scientists and lawyers
and accountants, still have swell-paying jobs and are
actually in a position to benefit from the recession. So
despite the travails of the common man, these members of
the fortunate elite now find themselves in an enviable position of cherry-picking some
of the best and brightest cars at prices that have backtracked several years at least.
'64 Corvettes suffered the stigma of being “not enough”
Which brings us to the 1964 Corvette Sting Ray convertible that rolled on stage at
RM's Michigan auction as lot number SP07. Technically, this was a resto-mod done
up to look totally stock but equipped to suit the builders' opinion of what the best '64
Corvette would have. Assembled by Paragon Corvette Reproductions using parts from
the company's own C2 catalog (see it at www.corvette-paragon.com/t-1964Project.
aspx), the restoration was completed in 2007 from a donor '64 with a reported 35,000
miles on the clock. About 700 miles were put on the car after restoration.
As pictured here, it was meticulously restored with a desirable combination of fea-
tures, including Ermine White paint (the second most popular for the model year), tan
leather upholstery, a later roller-rocker 350-ci engine bolted to a 4-speed gearbox (a
5-speed would have been better), plus the sidepipes (never my first choice), knockoff
aluminum wheels (okay if you like 'em), and even power windows (unnecessary on any
sports car). As was reasonably common during the period, it was also outfitted with a
'67 Corvette disc-brake upgrade (an excellent choice).
I found it interesting that someone liked this car well enough to pay real money
for it, when a genuine disc-brake 1965 convertible could be had for a similar investment.
Like the undernourished puppy of the litter, though, 1964 Corvettes have long
suffered from the stigma of being “not enough.” Here's
why. In coupe form, the '64 model lacks the distinction
of the one-year-only 1963 Split-Window design, while
both coupe and convertible precede the superior disc
brakes and optional big-block 396-ci V8 that debuted
for 1965. As well, the '64s were neither first nor last
in the Corvette mid-year lineage, and likewise lacked
the halo of the optional 1963-only Z06 racing package.
However, the truth is that most of this means squat to
someone who simply wants to drive the car, and to this
point the second-year '64 is still a fine mid-year Sting
Ray and highly rewarding to own and operate.
Upgraded components and drivability
The car sold here brought strong money for the
right reasons: It's a thorough and competent restoration
using upgraded components to improve drivability,
while retaining a stock appearance. Auction reporter
Phil Skinner made a careful analysis of the car at auction.
“Paint was very good; no signs of stress or other
cracking but
the right headlight pod needed minor
adjustment,” he wrote. “Interior was proper, but there
is minor wrinkling of the top material and the chrome
showed a very slight patina or hazing. Underhood was
very clean with no seepage found, and the undersides
were clean enough to impress a cruise-in but needed
some work for the 'Vette purist.”
On the value theme, he continued: “A couple of years
ago, on a stage to the west, this might have seen six figures
and been in the low $90k range in other places,
but the market has pulled back, and while cars like this
have dropped a bit, the seller should be quite proud
of the dollars raised for this car. The new owner can
expect appreciation on this purchase, but it might take
a while.”
Until that happens, nice as this car was, given the
current market conditions, I'd call it well sold. ■
(Introductory description courtesy of RM Auctions.)
JOHN L. STEIN served as editor of Corvette Quarterly
from 1998 to 2005, the only independent editor to lead
GM's flagship magazine.
www.vettemarket.com SPRING 2009 Corvette Market 31
Page 30
C3 profile
1967/74 “Delmo Johnson” Race Car
At half its $80k–$120k estimate, this beast was a decent buy, if you want
thunderous noise, scare-your-pants-off performance, and paddock groupies
by John L. Stein
Chassis number: None
Roll bar number: 032518
A
fter many years in retirement, Corvette Grand Sport racer Delmo Johnson was
encouraged by some Texas friends to become involved in vintage racing. He
acquired this, his last race car, around 1990 from his old friend John Mecom,
an equally famous Texan.
The car began life in 1967 as a Sting Ray racer, and had a distinguished racing
history, having been driven by the likes of Alan Sevadjian and finishing first at the
1979 SCCA Runoffs before being disqualified on a technicality. It later crashed at
Road America in 1982 with Sevadjian at the wheel when the throttle stuck. Although
it flipped many times, Alan emerged unscathed.
The car was rebuilt and prepared to 1974 IMSA and SCCA GT1 specifications
without regard to cost. It has far too many competition upgrades to list, including a
fuel cell, safety cage, adjustable suspension, fire-suppression system, and IMSA-legal
wide-body configuration. The safety cage doubles as a chassis frame improvement that
leaves the car many times stiffer than stock. Delmo says he wanted the car because it
reminded him of the Grand Sports, and he knew no better car of its type existed.
The professionally built 366-ci Chevrolet cast-iron small-block engine is ready to
race and has run less than one hour since completion. It is equipped with a forged steel
crank, aluminum heads, cog belt-driven dry-sump lubrication system, and 750-cfm
Holley carb. An all-synchromesh close-ratio Borg Warner Super T-10 aluminumcase
transmission, limited-slip rear axle, aluminum radiator, oil, transmission, and
power-steering coolers, competition gauges, and an onboard Halon fire system are also
included. All accessories are state of the art, and the car is carefully prepared and is
legal for three major vintage racing clubs. The legal weight is 2,850 pounds, equating
to 4.22 lb/hp with the engine's 675 horsepower.
32 Corvette Market SPRING 2009 www.vettemarket.com
Details
Years Produced 1967
Number Produced 8,504
Original List Price $4,388.75
CM Valuation $40,000–$50,000
Tune-up $400–500
Distributor Cap $25
Chassis # Cross brace under glovebox
Engine # On block in front of right cylinder
head
Club National Corvette Restorers Society
More www.ncrs.org
Alternatives
1963–67 Corvette,
1964–67 Sunbeam Tiger,
1965–66 Mustang K-code vintage
racers
CM Investment
Grade C
Photos: The Worldwide Group
Page 31
The 1974 IMSA cars are the newest and among the fastest in vintage racing. This
car will be supplied with signed testimony by Delmo Johnson and will be autographed
by him if the purchaser desires.
CM Analysis This car sold for $44,000, including buyer's premium, at Worldwide's
This Corvette reminds me of the classified ad: “Lost dog: Has three legs, one
Houston Classic in Seabrook, Texas, on May 2, 2009.
testicle, half a tail, and no teeth. Answers to the name ‘Lucky.'” The fact that only
one bidder stepped up to pay $44,000 for this fully prepared king-hell SCCA racer
means there are serious questions about its provenance—or about mankind's faith
in Corvettes and vintage racing. While the Worldwide catalog clearly represents it as
having started life as a 1967 Sting Ray that later morphed into this 1974-spec racer
after a disastrous rollover accident, this is too wide a jump for most collectors.
The problem isn't that this vehicle is a race car—in some cases that can be a defi-
nite plus. Rather, the trouble is that it started life as a mid-year Corvette of unknown
description and then morphed into the less-well-regarded C3 for no apparent reason,
except that someone wanted a Shark silhouette racer.
From an architectural standpoint, the 1963 through 1982 Corvettes were actu-
ally similar, so the transformation makes sense if you had a good race-prepped '67
chassis with a trashed body, a penchant for the wild 1974 IMSA specifications, and a
fiberglass wizard to bring it all together.
No substantive race history given
Anyway, those troubled waters have long since swirled under the bridge and, like
it or not, today this vintage racer simply is what it is. Because little mention is made of
any racing exploits except for the crash in Wisconsin and the DQ at the Runoffs—neither
at Johnson's hands—we can only assume that it was basically an also-ran in
SCCA amateur racing during its volatile career.
But at $44,000, less than half its $80k–$120k estimate range, this beast was a de-
cent buy, if you want thunderous noise,
scare-your-pants-off
performance,
and to leave paddock groupies gaping
as you Gumby yourself inside and hit
the Start switch. Because the all-out
racing Corvettes of
the 1970s—best
epitomized by John Greenwood's line
of wide-hipped IMSA missiles—were
truly beasts of outrage, festooned with
giant wheels, tires, and brakes, with
huge flared fenders and elongated
nose and tail sections serving as aerodynamic
aids.
A quantum leap from the tastefully
finished James Garner L88 (CM5, p.
28, sold at B&B Quail Lodge for $744k)
of a few years before, they were the
funny cars of sports car racing. Quite
literally, the '74 IMSA cars took production
Corvettes as far as they could
possibly go... and then a step beyond
for good measure. However, this is apparently
not one of them, but merely a
later copy; according to Worldwide it
was built up years later.
Looking at this car's positives,
it's done up in an attractive blue and
white paint scheme—America's racing
color combination back when pride in
country was in fashion. It appears to
be expertly fabricated and restored,
with all of the necessary racing equip-
www.vettemarket.com SPRING 2009 Corvette Market 33
ment present and accounted for, including an ice chest
for your cool suit, which you're probably going to need
during every 20-minute lapping session in this hotbox.
And the fact that the catalog photos were taken at an
airport suggests that the seller is also into aviation,
which means money is probably one of the languages
in which he is fluent—and hopefully it was spoken often
during the engine build, chassis preparation, and safety
system installs.
Fair price, but what lies beneath the skin?
So this rebodied 1967 Corvette racer has a new
home for what appears to be reasonable money. But the
story is far from complete. Given the value of verifiable
mid-year Corvette race cars nowadays—especially
ones with decent history—one wonders what actually
lies beneath the skin.
The catalog says the new owner would receive a bill of
sale only, so presumably that means there is no title, and
given the vulnerable location of a '67 VIN (riveted beneath
the glovebox, and also stamped atop the left-rear frame
arch), there may be no numbers on this vehicle at all.
But here's where the game of chance comes into
play. What if this hodgepodge had actually started life
as something really desirable, like a heater-delete or
heavy-duty brake '67 coupe with a viable race history?
If we're lucky, someone will let us know. And that kind of
news could change this from a good buy to a steal. ■
(Introductory description courtesy of Worldwide.)
Page 32
C4 profile
1990 “Active Suspension” Prototype
The cost of Active Suspension on the ZR-1 was estimated at $35k–$40k.
Service would have been difficult, and the hydraulics left no room for error
by Thomas Glatch
Chassis number: EX5881
T
his vehicle pioneered the advantages of “Active Suspension” and featured GTP
Corvette race car technology. Built at the Bowling Green plant, the vehicle was
developed as a prototype for a limited-edition run in the 1990 model year. This
is a concept vehicle. This vehicle will be conveyed to the buyer with no manu-
facturer statement of origin (MSO) or title, and the vehicle does not have a complete
VIN. Sold on bill of sale only.
CM Analysis This car sold for $66,000, including buyer's premium, at Barrett-Jackson's
Defying the laws of physics—that was the promise of Active Suspension. Instead of
auction in Palm Beach, Florida, on April 11, 2009.
Details
using springs, dampers, and anti-roll bars to react to and manage a vehicle's dynamics,
Active Suspension systems used sensors, computers, and high-pressure hydraulics to
totally control a vehicle's behavior. An “active” automobile could actually lean into
a curve while preventing any faults in the pavement from upsetting the steering and
cornering dynamics of the car.
John Dinkel of Road & Track magazine wrote after driving one of the Active
Corvette prototypes: “A stock Corvette has wonderfully quick, direct and precise steering.
The effort and feedback are superb. But after jumping back into the standard 'Vette,
I thought some engineer must have removed the car's steering system and replaced it
with mushy spaghetti while I was evaluating the active car. There was that big a difference.
Incredible, simply incredible.” He experienced driving through a turn a full 15
mph faster with the Active car than with a standard Corvette.
Like many revolutions in auto racing, Team Lotus invented Active Suspension for
Formula One. Development began in 1981, and by 1983, the system would see limited
action with Nigel Mansell at the wheel. At around the same time, Lotus Engineering
was beginning development of the engine and chassis of what would become the ZR-1
Corvette. In December 1985, Lotus was purchased by General Motors, and by 1987, GM
had budgeted $27 million to develop Active Suspension for the ZR-1.
Built a fleet of 50 prototypes, only two remain
Ronald W. Cox, who was Manager of Advanced Body and Chassis Electronics for
Delco Electronics in Kokomo, Indiana, wrote in the GM Next wiki: “Delco Electronics,
34 Corvette Market SPRING 2009 www.vettemarket.com
Years Produced None
Number Produced Approx. 50 prototypes
Original List Price n/a
CM Valuation $66,000–$150,700; (standard ZR-1
$34,000–$46,300)
Tune-up $350
Distributor Cap $149.49
Chassis # Driver's side dash at windshield
Engine # Pad forward of cylinder head on
right side
Club National Council of Corvette Clubs
More www.corvettesnccc.org
Alternatives
1990 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-2
“Big Doggie”, 1989 Corvette DR-1
convertible, 1989 Corvette ZR-1
“Snake Skinner”
CM Investment
Grade A
a subsidiary of GM Hughes Electronics, provided CPC
(Chevrolet-Pontiac-Canada) Engineering with prototype
active suspension electronic control modules during
1986. In early 1987, CPC Engineering established a
program to evaluate the technology by building a fleet
of 50 active suspension Corvettes with the ZR-1 32-valve
engine. Instrumentation for this program was initially
proposed to be the vehicle qualified Buick Touchscreen
Photos: Barrett-Jackson
Page 33
CRT system developed for the 1986 model year Riviera and Reatta, but the vehicle engineers
preferred to have the instrumentation on their new laptops. The required 50 units
were delivered to the Bowling Green, Kentucky, assembly plant as required complete
with software operating as specified.”
Over in F1, Lotus never fully came to grips with the technology, but the Williams
team got it to work. By the 1993 season, the Williams cars were lapping nearly two
seconds per lap faster than the non-Active competition. The advantage was so unfair,
and the cost of developing the systems so high, that F1 banned Active Suspension for the
'94 season. Then a hydraulic failure on Alex Zanardi's Lotus during the Belgian Grand
Prix weekend caused such a horrific crash that the systems were gone by mid-1993.
3,000 psi system added weight, generated heat, sapped power
For all the benefits of Active Suspension, why didn't it make it to the production
ZR-1? During the media press preview for the 2009 ZR1 Corvette, one of the two remaining
Active Corvette prototypes was on display. Harlan Charles, Corvette Product
and Marketing Manager, explained that the system could consume over 25 horsepower
in a hard turn, though only 3 hp was needed at rest. The hydraulic fluid, circulating at
3,000 psi, required extra heat exchangers and vents for cooling, while the added components
brought the total weight of the Corvette to nearly 4,000 pounds. Those added
components included aircraft-grade pumps and actuators, along with cutting-edge
electronics, and the cost of Active Suspension on the ZR-1 was estimated at $35k–$40k.
Service in the field would have been difficult, and the high-pressure hydraulics allowed
no room for a mechanic's error.
As is often the case with pioneering technology, lessons learned in the Active Corvette
program were used a few years later. The F45 “Selective Real Time Damping” option
introduced on the 1996 Corvette, while not a true active system, used sensor and digital
signal processor technology developed on the Active Corvettes. And the F55 Magnetic
Selective Ride Control option available since 2003 is an active suspension that uses a
“smart” magneto-rheological fluid instead of high-pressure hydraulics to accomplish
what the 1990 Active Corvettes attempted to do.
It seems Chevrolet built 50 or more Active Corvette
prototypes, but only two remain. One car, EX5878, was
displayed at Corvettes at Carlisle in 2007. CM reported
on the sale of the other prototype, EX5881, in CM6, when
it sold at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale for $150,700 (p.
44). Yet here was EX5881 on the block again, just three
months later. I'm not sure why it was auctioned a second
time, but if the Active Corvette prototype was “a good
buy on an important and unique engineering study” at
$150k, at $66k it was an absolute bargain, at least for the
buyer. And a major loss for the seller. ■
(Introductory description courtesy of Barrett-Jackson.)
THOMAS GLATCH has been an automotive writer
since 1983. His work has appeared in Corvette Fever,
Corvette Magazine, Sports Car Market, and elsewhere.
www.vettemarket.com SPRING 2009 Corvette Market 35
Page 34
C5 profile
1999 Lingenfelter LS7 Twin-Turbo Coupe
With 93 octane fuel, the 8.5:1 compression engine puts out 750 horsepower;
with 109 octane fuel, the horsepower jumps to 905
by Michael Pierce
Chassis number: 1G1YY22G6X5109943
T
he name John Lingenfelter has become a legend in the world of performance
engineering. For over 30 years, it has been synonymous with world-class performance,
taking great cars and trucks and reinventing them.
Lingenfelter has twice worked his magic on this 1999 Corvette, adding twin
turbochargers and beefy internals to its 346-ci LS1 and taking the car to 226 mph for
a Motor Trend cover story, which called it “the fastest, meanest street-legal car we've
ever tested.”
Now the Torch Red coupe, serial number 001 in that first series of Lingenfelter
C5 Stage II twin turbos, is faster and meaner than ever, because the original LS1 has
been replaced by another Lingenfelter-built powerhouse. Displacing 427 cubic inches,
the specially prepared, all-aluminum LS7 is fitted with a 4340 forged steel crank, JE
forged aluminum pistons on forged Manley rods, and the entire assembly computerbalanced.
A custom Lingenfelter hydraulic roller camshaft works stainless steel intake
and Inconel exhaust valves in CNC ported-and-polished heads.
The turbocharging system was developed by John Lingenfelter and has been
proven in hundreds of reliable installations. Comprising two liquid cooled, engineoil-lubricated
Garrett true ball bearing turbochargers, Lingenfelter compressor, and
exhaust housings with integral waste gates, twin high efficiency air-to-air intercoolers
and 304 stainless steel 4-into-1 custom exhaust manifolds, the system generates over
905 fire-breathing rear-wheel horsepower.
Carefully considered upgrades were performed on the drivetrain, suspension and
brakes to compensate for the increased power. A triple-disc carbon fiber clutch was installed,
along with a hardened, high-strength driver's side half shaft for durability and
36 Corvette Market SPRING 2009 www.vettemarket.com
Details
Years Produced 1997–2005
Number Produced 10 Lingenfelter coupes (18,078 C5
coupes) in 1999
Original List Price
$48,725 with options + LPE mods for
$90,000 total. $70,000 more spent
on LS7 conversion
CM Valuation $50,000–$80,000
Tune-up Same as new LS-7; less than $350
Distributor Cap $12
Chassis # Driver's side dash at windshield
Engine # Pad forward of cylinder head on
right side
Club National Corvette Restorers Society
More www.ncrs.org; www.lingenfelter
.com
Alternatives
2010 Chevrolet Corvette Z06,
2010 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1,
1997–2001 Callaway C12
CM Investment
Grade C
Page 35
Hotchkiss sway bars for handling response. The original LPE-designed Lingenfelter
Signature Series wheels were sent back to manufacturer HRE and reinforced with
stronger hubs to handle higher torque loads, then fitted with the latest high-speed
Michelin tires. Six-piston front and four-piston rear Baer calipers with vented and
slotted rotors are capable of slowing the car from well over 200 mph in little more than
a heartbeat. Occupant safety is thoroughly addressed with a bolt-in roll bar, safety
harness, and fire extinguisher.
Custom-built and later upgraded by Corvette performance guru John Lingenfelter,
this overwhelming performer is well documented with detailed records, videos, dynamometer
performance sheets, and autographed memorabilia.
CM Analysis This car sold for $84,800, including buyer's premium, at Mecum's
Original Spring Classic in Indianapolis, Indiana, on May 17, 2009.
With its extensive aftermarket alterations and an interesting history of performance
upgrades and documentation, the sale price seems healthy enough for a ten-year-old
Corvette. However, the two upgrades to the car over the past ten years cost prior
owners close to $100,000, not counting fuel, routine maintenance, and insurance. Or
the initial purchase price of the car.
Dick McKee, a Florida resident, owned this Torch Red Corvette and sent it to
Lingenfelter Performance Engineering in early 2000 for the 650-horsepower, twinturbo
upgrade package—cost at the time, $40,000. LPE used the original block,
heads, and intake, although their special technologies, engineering, and performance
internals readily doubled the factory horsepower.
Other than the addition of Baer brakes, a dual-disc clutch (to hold the 600 ft-lb of
torque), adjustable Penske shocks, and narrower tires, the car was stock.
Previous record in Callaway Sledgehammer
In 2000, just after the work for McKee had been completed, Motor Trend maga-
zine suggested that John Lingenfelter attempt a street-legal speed record run at the
Transportation Research Center in Ohio with this car. John had previously set a
world record driving for Reeves Callaway in the 1988 Callaway Sledgehammer, going
through the clocks at 254.8 mph.
At the track, on the day of this attempt, the air temperature was just above freezing,
with a slight tailwind. In order to keep the back end of the car on the ground, 300
pounds of sand bags were stuffed into the rear compartment of the car. Instrumentation
showed 6,050 rpm in fifth gear, and it made 226 mph. It was undoubtedly quite a ride,
but still 30 mph shy of the Sledgehammer's ten-year-old record, so the team and the
magazine reporters went home disappointed. The gap between the Lingenfelter's 640
hp and the Callaway Sledgehammer's
898 hp was too big to bridge. In fact,
nothing challenged the Callaway record
for 16 years until the 1,000-hp
Bugatti Veyron came along in 2005.
It had a claimed top speed of “only”
253 mph, and it wasn't until 2008
that the Shelby SSC squeaked by its
20-year-old rival with a top speed of
255 mph..
McKee kept the car for many
years, but eventually sold it to another
Florida resident, Talmadge
Dobbs. As if the first LPE modification
was not enough (can it ever be
too fast?), the new owner sent the
car back to Lingenfelter for a second
upgrade.
This time, an all-aluminum, 427-ci
LS7 with twin Garrett turbochargers
was installed. The price tag was
close
to
$70,000
and
constituted
Lingenfelter's 725-horsepower engine
package. Baer six-piston front/fourpiston
rear brakes were added, as
www.vettemarket.com SPRING 2009 Corvette Market 37
were remotely adjustable Penske shocks, an octane boost
controller, a Ron Davis radiator, special wheels, and
Michelin Pilot Sport IIs. To accommodate the fat tires riding
on 19″ x 12″ rear wheels, the car was “mini-tubbed.”
The octane boost controller has settings for 93/100/109
octane. With 93 octane fuel, the 8.5:1 compression motor
puts out 750 horsepower; with 109 octane fuel, the horsepower
is 905.
Between McKee and Dobbs,
they enjoyed over
40,000 miles of high-performance drivability before
Dobbs put the car up for auction.
The new owner gets a great driver with only 1,800
miles on the “new” engine, a three-disc carbon fiber
clutch, Hotchkiss sway bars, roll bar, safety harnesses,
and the fact that his Corvette is most certainly one of
one. If he has a mind to pursue the Sledgehammer's
254.8 mph record, it would seem to be attainable.
However, while a fast car, it was clearly a financial
disaster, as are nearly all custom performance cars.
In fact, for the money the new owner spent, he could
have his pick of a new Z06 with change left over, or be
two-thirds of the way to a new ZR1—either of which
represent new technology and, wonder of wonders, a
factory warranty.
In that light, I call this car very well sold. The new
owner has an unusual, one-off car with an interesting
history, and if you equate thrills with dollars, this was a
good buy. If you're merely counting greenbacks like Mr.
Scrooge in his vault, the sellers didn't recover much of
their investment, and the new owner shouldn't expect to
get his money back when he goes to sell it himself. ■
(Introductory description courtesy of Mecum.)
MICHAEL PIERCE is a longtime NCRS Judge who
ranks in the top few dozen. He has judged Corvette
events around the world, and his own Corvettes
have won Top Flight, Bloomington Gold, and Duntov
awards.
Page 36
C6
by Geoff Archer
2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 coupe
#280333418610. S/N 1G1YY26E865108901. Velocity Yellow/ebony leather. Odo: 22,153 miles.
35 Photos. Parsippany, NJ. 23,155 mi. Dealer seller (Paul Miller) posts a 1,318 word description,
none of which describes the condition of this actual car. Looks to be in #2 cond. 1 Best Offer bid,
sf 61, bf 75. Cond: 2.
CM Analysis SOLD AT $43,500. Ding, ding, ding. And the “Lowballer of the Month” award goes
to this guy, who ripped the most yellow Z06 for the fewest greenbacks. Well bought.
A Selection of C6s that sold recently on eBay
mini profiles Condition inferred from seller's descriptions; cars were not physically examined by the author.
All quoted material taken from the eBay listings. sf=seller's feedback; bf=buyer's feedback
C6s appear infrequently at land-based auctions, so CM turns to
eBay Motors for a sampling
2008 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 coupe
#230338885163. S/N 1G1YY25E085130914. Velocity Yellow/ebony leather. Odo: 878 miles.
22 photos. Frisco, TX. “This car is just like off the showroom floor. It has been kept in its own
one car garage since its been home. You will not be dissapointed super clean. Has sticker price of
$72,875.00. 450 of the 878 miles came from one road trip. This car has been pampered and only
driven by me never raced or never burnd any rubber off of the tires. The car has been kept in the
garage every night” 1 bid, sf 105, bf private. Cond: 1.
CM Analysis SOLD AT $52,500. A great buy on a nearly new Z06.
2008 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 coupe
#180346723944. S/N 1G1YY26E385117959. Velocity Yellow/ebony leather. Odo: 436 miles.
52 Photos. San Diego, CA. 436 mi. “It Is A One Owner Whom Recently Had To Let This Car Go.”
MSRP of $78,540 includes chrome Z06 rims for $1,995, special paint for $750, 2LZ Preferred
Equipment at $3,045, and navigation at $1,750. Short description includes the comically worded
“Interior Is Still In Its New Stage.” 14 bids, sf 55, bf 50. Cond: 1.
CM Analysis SOLD AT $59,980. A good deal on a low-miles Z06, but not the best I've seen. Still,
well bought.
2008 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 coupe
#380119677625. S/N 1G1YY26E785118693. Velocity Yellow/ebony leather. Odo: 805 miles. 31
Photos. Dallas, TX. 805 mi. “This is an UNTITLED 2008 Z06! This is a 3LZ car with Navigation
and Chromes that has an MSRP of $82040!” 1 Buy-It-Now bid, sf 77, bf 52. Cond: 1.
CM Analysis SOLD AT $59,800. Chevy dealer seller says, “Here's an awesome deal on an awe-
“used” cars with the same mileage.
2009 Chevrolet Corvette coupe
#180350607320. S/N 1G1YY26W095100353. Velocity Yellow & black/ebony leather. Odo:
2,355 miles. 20 Photos. Baton Rouge, LA. “LS3-6.2 LITER 430 H.P. ENGINE, MX0- 6 SPEED
PADDLE SHIFT AUTOMATIC $1,250, NPP- DUAL MODE EXHUAST $1,195, Q9V- FORGED
CHROME ALUMINUM WHEELS $1,850, U3U- AM/FM STEREO CD PLAYER, DVD
NAVIGATION WITH BOSE 7 SPEAKER SOUND, Z51- Z51 PERFORMANCE PACKAGE,
$1,695, 3LT- 3 LT PREFERRED EQUIPMENT GROUP... $4,555, 45U- VELOCITY YELLOW
TINTCOAT $750, FOR A TOTAL M.S.R.P. OF $60,940. ALONG WITH SEVERAL GM
FACTORY ACCESSORIES INCLUDING: BODY GRAPHICS (REMOVEABLE), RACING
SPOLIER, COLOR KEYED DOOR HANDLES, AND DOOR SILLS WORTH OVER $3,500!!”
11 bids, sf 108, bf 182. Cond: 1.
CM Analysis SOLD AT $49,499. Normally we would expect 25% first year depreciation. In today's
Either way, this used 2009 was very well sold.
economy, one imagines that a brand new one could be had for the same money.
38 Corvette Market SPRING 2009 www.vettemarket.com
some car.” Being untitled, I'll have to agree—even though I've seen better prices on
Page 38
Market Report
Overview
Spring Corvette Sales Total $7.1m
Condition and documentation were more important than ever, and examples
with both originality and good histories brought good money
by JimPickering
C
ontinued market instability was a source of worry for
many sellers within the Corvette world throughout
the early spring months. But as was the case at the
Scottsdale auctions in January, well-documented
cars still brought respectable prices at almost every auction
location. However, examples with issues were again
harder to move, and a number of sellers were faced with
the choice of coming to grips with current market values
or taking their cars back home with them.
Barrett-Jackson returned to Florida in mid-April for
its annual Palm Beach sale, where 38 Corvettes sold at
no reserve for a final total of just under $2.1m. Like the
Scottsdale auction in January, GM Heritage offered a
collection of vehicles for sale, and it was those cars that
became the talk of the auction after Washington officials
abruptly halted their sale due to the complaints of a single
individual disgruntled over title issues.
Barrett-Jackson was extremely careful to point out,
both in Scottsdale and in Palm Beach, that the cars were
offered on salvage and scrap titles and in most cases
could not be registered for road use, and thankfully, the
company was able to resolve the dispute in time to add
the remaining GM Heritage cars back into the lineup on
Friday night. Several very interesting prototypes from
the collection were offered, including a 1988 twin-turbo
coupe that made $42,900 and a C6 test mule that brought
$24,200, but the high Corvette sale of the event went to a
1959 custom LS3-powered convertible at $148,500—an
interesting result, as custom Corvettes have recently
been a harder sell.
Mecum's 22nd annual
CM 1–6 Scale
Condition Rating:
1: National concours
standard/perfect
2: Very good, club
concours, some
small flaws
3: Average daily driver
in decent condition
4: Still a driver but with
some apparent
flaws
5: A nasty beast that
runs but has many
problems
6: Good only for parts
Spring Classic auction took
place in mid-May, with
138 Corvettes crossing the
auction block throughout the four-day event. Sixty-nine
found new owners at a combined $3.1m, led by EX87, the
1955 prototype built by Zora Arkus-Duntov. Part of the
Bob McDorman Collection, it had been reunited with its
original Smokey Yunick-built 307-ci V8, which featured
the first “Duntov” cam and powered the car to record
speed runs at the GM Proving Grounds and at Daytona.
It was bid to $328,600.
Other Corvettes from the McDorman Collection
included a 1988 Corvette Challenge car that made
$42,400, the first 1960 convertible, which failed to sell
at $290,000, and Apollo astronaut Jim Lovell's 1968
327/300 coupe, which returned to the collection at an
Top Ten Sales This Issue
1. 1955 Corvette EX87 prototype
roadster, $328,600—Lot# F208, p. 44
2. 1963 Corvette 327/360 Z06 coupe,
$192,500—Lot# 287, p. 64
3. 1959 Corvette LS3 Custom convertible,
$148,500—Lot# 652.1, p. 56
4. 1962 Corvette 327/360 convertible,
$143,000—Lot# 674.1, p. 56
5. 1954 Corvette roadster,
$138,600—Lot# 14, p. 63
6. 1958 Corvette 283/245 convertible, $129,800—Lot# 292, p. 63
7. 1954 Corvette roadster, $110,000—Lot# 664, p. 56
8. 1960 Corvette 283 convertible, $99,000—Lot# 637.1, p. 56
9. 2004 Corvette Classic Reflections convertible, $90,200—Lot# 654, p. 60
10. 1967 Corvette 427/435 convertible, $84,800—Lot# F45, p. 48
10. 1967 Corvette 427/400 convertible, $84,800—Lot# F104, p. 48
10. 1999 Corvette Lingenfelter 427 Twin-Turbo coupe, $84,800—Lot# F243, p. 53
10. 2008 Corvette Z06 427 Edition coupe, $84,800—Lot# S73, p. 75
10. 2007 Corvette Z06 Ron Fellows Edition coupe, $84,800—Lot# F197, p. 53
Best Buys
1. 1963 Corvette 327/360 Z06 coupe,
$192,500—Lot# 287, p. 64
2. 1957 Corvette 283/283 convertible,
$83,740—Lot# F43, p. 44
3. 1967 Corvette 327/350 convertible,
$46,988—Lot# 167, p. 68
4. 1964 Corvette 327/300 coupe,
$29,849—Lot# SP70, p. 66
5. 2005 Corvette C6 Test Mule coupe,
$24,200—Lot# 57, p. 60
insufficient $23,000 bid. The biggest news of the auction
in general was the consignment of 1965 Shelby Cobra
Daytona coupe CSX2601, which won the FIA World
Championship for the U.S. and Shelby in 1965. After
much interest, it failed to sell at a high bid of $6.8m.
At both Palm Beach and Indy, as well as at other sales
throughout the country over the past several months, it's
been demonstrated that condition and documentation
have become even more important
in bringing high
prices than ever before, as despite the current downturn
in the market, buyers are still willing to pay good money
for the best, most original, and most well-documented
Corvettes out there. ■
40 Corvette Market SPRING 2009 www.vettemarket.com
Page 40
Market
Report
Mecum Auctions
Indianapolis, IN
22nd Annual Original Spring Classic
Duntov's EX87 test car, thought to be the first true “performance” Corvette,
generated excitement on the block, selling for $328k
Company
Mecum Auctions
Date
May 13–17, 2009
Location
Indianapolis, Indiana
Auctioneers
Mark Delzell, Mike
Hagerman, Jim Landis,
Bobby McLaughlin, Matt
Morauec & Jeff Knox
Overall cars sold / offered
638/1,046
Total sales rate
61%
Sales total
$33,622,996
Corvettes sold / offered
69/138
Corvette sales total
$3,130,450
Corvette high sale
1955 Corvette “EX87”
Prototype, sold at
$328,600
Buyer's premium
McDorman decided to cut this one loose
Report and photos by B. Mitchell Carlson
Market opinions in italics
L
ast year, Mecum made the decision to change the location of its annual Spring
Classic sale from Illinois to Indiana, and anyone who was there knew that Dana and
company were on to a good thing. This year's event—despite economic uncertanties—proved
it.
While the big news car this year—the consignment of one of the six Shelby Cobra
Daytona coupes—ended up coming short at a $6.8m bid, there were quite a few Corvettes
to take up the slack. Top sale in the Plastic Fantastic department was the 1955 “EX87”
test car assembled by Zora Arkus-Duntov for high-speed runs at the GM Desert Proving
Grounds and at Daytona. Restored with the
same small-block V8 that was built up for GM
by Smokey Yunick, this is considered to be the
first true “performance” Corvette, and it was
the first Chevrolet to be fitted with what would
later be known as the Duntov camshaft. The
car generated quite a bit of interest when it was
on the auction block, and although it went down
to the wire, now-former owner Bob McDorman
elected to let it go at $328,600.
McDorman also consigned a number of
Corvette Sales Total
other historically noteable Corvettes, including
a 1988 Corvette Challenge car, several C5 and
C6 Indy 500 festival cars, the first 1960 and
1998 convertibles, and cars owned by singer
Roy Orbison, race team owner Ozzie Olsen,
42 Corvette Market SPRING 2009 www.vettemarket.com
$500k
$1m
$1.5m
$2m
$2.5m
$3m
$3.5m
0
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
$300 on the first $5,499,
$500 up to $9,999, 6%
thereafter, included in
sold prices
and Apollo astronaut Jim Lovell.
Noteable Corvettes that made the swing-and-a-miss
list include one car that was bid higher than EX87—a
1969 L88 coupe. This 12,000-mile car was scheduled to
be accepted into Bloomington Gold Benchmark judging
in June, and the consigning dealer was not going to lower
the reserve by $25k to match the $425,000 final bid. Other
high no-sales included a 1963 Z06 coupe at $300,000 and
a 1955 convertible at $160,000.
Post-block deals resulted in what ended up being the
top money car of the event—the 1966 Shelby Cobra 427
S/C, CSX3034. By Sunday, it wore the trademark yellow
Mecum SOLD sticker after a deal was reached at
$1,234,900.
While there is some uncertainty in the collector car
market now, one thing is for certain: Mecum seems to
have found a winning combination with this new venue.
Over $3m in Corvette sales helped bring Mecum's total
for the nearly week-long event to nearly $34m, and despite
some generally cool and sometimes wet weather
throughout most of the event, all in all it went well, with
consignments up by 294 lots, the sales percentage up by
6%, and the total gross up by over $10m above the figure
set in 2008. ■
Page 42
Market
Report
C1
TOP 10
#1
#F208-1955
CHEVROLET
CORVETTE EX87 roadster. S/N
VE55S001399. Polo White/red vinyl.
Odo: 17,742 miles. 307-ci V8, 4-bbl, 3-sp.
Modified by Zora Arkus-Duntov, with fixed
tonneau over passenger's seat, small cockpit
windscreen, and headrest tail fin behind
driver's seat. Authentically restored by Steve
Tate to its EX87/5951 GM tracking number
condition after he obtained the motor from
Smokey Yunick's estate. Body and paint better
than original, motor just starting to show light
heat cycling. Period authentic steering columnmounted
tachometer, additional dash-mounted
Mecum Auctions
Indianapolis, INIndianapolis, IN
Best Buy #F43-1957 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N E57S105399. Venetian Red
& beige/tan cloth/red vinyl. Odo: 4,615 miles.
283-ci 283-hp fuel-injected V8, 4-sp. Radio and
heater delete, “dog dish” hubcaps on stock steel
wheels. High-quality frame-off restoration a few
years ago. Excellent quality bare body repaint,
all replated or replacement chrome and trim,
mostly better-than-stock body prep and panel fit.
gauges. Minimal seat, carpeting, and steering
wheel wear. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $328,600.
This is considered to be the first true highperformance
Corvette, having been modified
by Zora Duntov by placing the Smokey Yunickprepared
small-block V8 used in the prototype
Corvette V8. Zora had the motor rebuilt and
had what became the prototype “Duntov cam”
installed to set records at both the GM Arizona
Proving Grounds and Daytona Beach in 1956.
With this provenance, this was well bought,
and should make for easy estate planning for
the owner—ship to Bowling Green, KY.
#S81-1955 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
roadster. S/N VE55S001579. Harvest Gold/
dark green vinyl/tan vinyl. Odo: 95,653 miles.
265-ci 195-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Chapter-level
NCRS Top Flight award in 2008. Older frameoff
restoration with some recent cosmetic
fluffing. Better-than-stock body prep and paint
application, good older rechroming. Wears a
1975 California Highway Patrol inspection
sticker on windshield. Older replacement top
Passenger's door alignment off. Heavily reinforced
inner wheelwell openings. Show quality
engine compartment detailing, authentically
restored interior with minimal to no wear. Cond:
1-. SOLD AT $83,740. The seller dropped his
reserve at the end of the bidding, yielding one
of the better buys on a Corvette at this auction,
even if it was one of the higher selling C1s here.
All you have to do is write the check to buy it,
then show it and enjoy it.
#U64-1958 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N DMV58002CA. Silver Blue
& Inca Silver/white vinyl/blue vinyl. Odo:
27,354 miles. 283-ci 290-hp fuel-injected V8, 4sp.
California assigned VIN stamped on a repop
stock serial number tag affixed with slotted pan
screws. Heavier prep and sanding to exterior to
remove all body seam broadcasting, but there is
still some light body ripple. Excellent quality
paint application, all reproduction brightwork
fitted. Stock door and trunk panel fit typically
off. Authentically restored engine bay and
White/white vinyl/red vinyl. Odo: 11 miles.
283-ci 290-hp fuel-injected V8, 4-sp. Higher
quality newer frame-off restoration, lots of
external body prep eliminates almost all body
wave, excellent repaint with few issues. Betterthan-stock
hood and door fit, typical trunk lid fit
with uneven gaps. All brightwork either replated
or replaced. Show quality engine bay detailing,
but now with some fuel staining behind the base
of thermostat housing. Nearly all reproduction
interior components with no wear. Cond: 2+.
NOT SOLD AT $290,000. I can certainly understand
that serial number one for any given
year should command something of a premium,
but $200k extra for 1960 seems a bit over the
top. We won't even go there about the $350k reserve.
Well, it's going back to the same garage,
so nobody really proved anything here.
#T89-1962 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 20867S102881. Ermine White/
white vinyl & hard top/red vinyl. Odo: 18,580
miles. 327-ci 250-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Light
repaint over the external surfaces, with original
paint in door jambs, panel gaps, and rockers.
Retains stock slight body wave and a few light
seam broadcasts. Some slight overspray on hard
top's door seals, which are also starting to crack.
with some slight shrinkage and soiling. Well
detailed engine bay and undercarriage, older interior
restoration showing minimal wear. Cond:
2-. NOT SOLD AT $160,000. One of about 120
(no one can say for certain exactly how many)
Harvest Gold with dark green 1955s—a color
combo only a John Deere dealer could love.
The consigning dealer was rock-solid on getting
$200k on it, and in Gypsy Red or Corvette
Copper, I could see that, but in the same color
combo as a 530 row-crop, I'd have cut it loose.
44 Corvette Market SPRING 2009 www.vettemarket.com
undercarriage with all correct components and
finishes. Fresh interior soft trim and brightwork.
Cond: 2. NOT SOLD AT $75,000. Without
the original serial number—even though it
is legally titled—the final bid was more than
gracious. While it can be understandable for
a state entity to issue a VIN under several circumstances,
none of which help the car's value,
things would seem more plausible if that number
was augmented by 1958 serial number. It does
seem a bit silly to claim that the car is “numbers
matching” and yet there was no sign anywhere
of what the car's original serial number was.
Proof that said “numbers matching” term is
open ended at best.
#F211-1960 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 00867S100001. Ermine
Repaint quality on hard top lesser than that of the
body. Wavy replated bumpers, mostly buffed out
original trim. Reproduction seat upholstery and
carpeting, good untouched original door panels.
Cond: 3+. NOT SOLD AT $51,000. As '62s are
some of the most desirable of the C1s, I would
agree with the consignor in holding out for a bit
more. Even as a bare-bones base-engine car, as
an occasional driver, this would be a good buy
at a price not too far north of $50k.
C2
#S173-1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Z06 coupe. S/N 30837S115092. Ermine
White/saddle leather. Odo: 29 miles. 327-ci
360-hp fuel-injected V8, 4-sp. Z06 package,
along with leather interior, pb, J65 metallic
Page 44
Market
Report
Mecum Auctions
Indianapolis, IN
brake pads, and radio delete. Bloomington Gold
certification, Chevyfest Gold Spinner award,
NCRS Top Flight & Top Gun awards in 2007.
2005-era frame-off restoration superbly done.
Slightly shaved rear wheelwell lips, better-thanstock
body prep and paint application. Concours
quality detailing to engine and undercarriage.
Well-fitted interior shows no wear. Cond: 1+.
NOT SOLD AT $300,000. One of 63 “tankers”
made in 1963, and claimed to be the only one
with this option configuration. It didn't take long
to tell that the restorer sweated the details here.
It was announced that it would take $365k to
get a deal done, although that or the final bid
could easily establish this car's value, since the
old “it's worth what someone is willing to pay”
statement definitely applies here.
#F210-1964 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
GM Stying coupe. S/N 40837S104833. Pearl
Blue/white leather. Odo: 51,028 miles. 327ci
300-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Modified by GM
Styling for Bill Mitchell's friend Ozzie Olsen
with one-off cast sidepipes, six taillights, wire
wheels with triple bar knockoffs, and pearl
blue paint. Restored in the early 1980s by
Werner Meier to the original configuration.
Repainted to high standards of that time, and
showing only a few light polishing swirls and
4-sp. Factory options include pb, tinted glass,
pw, back-up lamps, and both tops. Claimed to
be a Bloomington Gold Survivor, but without
documentation presented to prove it. Mostly
original paint, some resprayed areas expertly
matched and blended. Light paint cracking on
cowl vents, few light chips to hard top's left
side. All original paint on door jambs. Well preserved
original chrome and interior, cleaned up
original engine finishes with some discoloration.
Cond: 3+. NOT SOLD AT $80,000. This would
have to be one of the most desirable 1964s out
there—a mostly original fuelie in red. As such,
I can hardly blame the consignor for posting a
$100k reserve. If there was a need for a fire sale,
then the $80k would seem to be fair, but try to
find another to duplicate this one.
#T142-1965 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194675S117981. Red/black
vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 32,067 miles. 396-ci
425-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Fitted with a/c, AM/FM
radio, pw, and knockoff alloys. Lightly shaved
rear wheelwells. Stripped and recently repainted,
retaining original light body waviness and seam
broadcasting. Gaps good on both doors, passenger's
side needs a good slam to close. Slightly
Good quality bumper replating, older engine
bay detailing work starting to get dingy. Top
quality reproduction interior soft trim expertly
fitted. Some secondary wiring dangling below
dashboard. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $66,780. As
further proof on why lot T142 should've brought
more, I present this car. Certainly 1966s seem
to bring a touch more than '65s, but basically
these cars have the same driveline—and the top
doesn't fold or come off this lesser condition
one, unlike the bright red '65. The consignor
wisely lifted the reserve at $62,500, making this
one well sold.
#F203-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194376S109442. Mosport Green/
green vinyl. Odo: 26,619 miles. 327-ci 300-hp
V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Factory optional a/c, ps, and
pb. Formerly owned by singer Roy Orbison.
Wears a newer quickie repaint over minimal
body prep. No door seals of any type fitted on
either door, but there is some painted-over glue
chips. Original interior a bit ratty in places, with
discoloring original off-white seat belts and
moderately worn leather. Cond: 3-. NOT SOLD
AT $105,000. Ozzie Olsen was the founder of
the Olsonite Toilet Seat Company, and with that
financial backing was a sponsor of several race
teams in the '60s and '70s. Back when this car
was restored, it was used on a semi-regular
basis, so it's starting to get a bit tired. Relatively
cheap for a GM show car without title issues,
but far from minty fresh, so the final bid was
market correct.
#S84-1964 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 40867S106324. Riverside
Red/white vinyl & red hard top/red vinyl. Odo:
86,217 miles. 327-ci 360-hp fuel-injected V8,
46 Corvette Market SPRING 2009 www.vettemarket.com
wavy replated bumpers, with mostly buffedout
original trim. Motor rocks slightly at idle.
Cosmetically well detailed engine bay, newer
well installed interior soft trim showing minimal
wear. Cond: 3+. NOT SOLD AT $47,000.
Being a 425-hp motor, this was made toward the
end of the model year. The seller was holding
out for $60k here, and I'll side more with him
than the bidders on this one.
#T232-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194376S126263. White/blue vinyl.
Odo: 17,195 miles. 427-ci 425-hp V8, 4-bbl,
4-sp. Fitted with original knockoffs. Bodywork
retains most original light rippling and has some
light seam broadcasting. Good repaint with some
light overspray on vent window seals. Crack
noted at right rear outboard headlight opening.
residue. Easy to reach brightwork replaced, dull
and pitted vent window frames. Reproduction
seats, door panels, and dashpad, remainder of
interior original and heavily worn. Sometime
it the '80s the engine got a spray-bomb paint
job, including over grease and wiring. Cond: 4.
SOLD AT $35,510. The Orbison connection,
while interesting, wasn't enough to warrant
spending this much on this needy example. Well
sold considering the issues noted.
#W75-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194676S105608. Sunfire
Yellow/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 55,690
miles. 327-ci 350-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Fitted with
side pipes, ps, pb, AM/FM radio, tilt/telescopic
column, and teak wheel. Reproduction knockoff
alloy wheels. Newer repaint over excellent body
prep with sharp character lines and no seam
broadcasting. Average quality bumper replating
with mostly buffed-out original trim. Fresh,
authentic engine bay detailing with modern ACDelco
battery the only thing that doesn't look
circa 1966. Older replacement seats and carpeting
starting to show some wear from limited use.
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Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $58,300. Bid up to $51k,
and when the owner wouldn't let the reserve go,
the last bidder raised his bid to meet the owner's
$55k reserve. It's not too often I see that tactic
actually work, but at least all parties agreed that
this was a $55k car all day long.
#T41.1-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194676S104456. Milano
Maroon/white vinyl & maroon hard top/black
vinyl. Odo: 69,626 miles. 327-ci 300-hp V8,
4-bbl, auto. Replacement engine. Some slight
body rippling and seam broadcasting, chunk of
fiberglass broken off at right front wheelwell
inner lip. Decent repaint recently applied,
touched-up gouge in hard top on driver's side
B-pillar. Driver's door gap rather wide up
the current market. As proof, the bidding here
started at $45k. Five years ago, this would've
been a lock to sell for just over $100k, but today
this is fully priced as a darn nice driver or lower
tier show car.
TOP 10
#10
#F104-1967
CHEVROLET
CORVETTE convertible. S/N
194677S115438. Red & white/white
vinyl & red hard top/white vinyl. Odo: 50,869
miles. 427-ci 400-hp V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. Factory
optional a/c, ps, pb, sidepipes, two tops, AM/FM
radio, and alloy wheels. Tank sticker claimed,
but not displayed with car. Heavily prepped
body with no seam broadcasting on top-quality
repaint. Better quality bumper replate and
replacement brightwork. Older replacement
restored as a commodity to sell rather than a
labor of love. Sensing the current readjustment
in '67 big-blocks (or a return to reality, as I see
it), the consigning dealer dropped the reserve at
$70k for a market-correct price.
C3
#F205-1968 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194378S414314. Cortez Silver/blue
vinyl. Odo: 43,404 miles. 327-ci 300-hp V8,
4-bbl, auto. Factory options include ps, pb, a/c,
tinted glass, tilt/telescopic column, deluxe wheel
covers, pw, and luggage rack. Formerly owned
by astronaut Jim Lovell. Decent body prep
under average repaint on exterior surfaces only.
Older bumper replate, remainder of brightwork
original and presentable. Edelbrock intake
manifold heavily oxidized. Original and dingy
front, crack visible between door handle and
rear edge of passenger's door. Aftermarket
air
cleaner tops off driver grade cleaned-
up engine bay. Cond: 3. NOT SOLD AT
$35,000. Without the original motor, and with
a Powerslide automatic bolted on the back of it
to boot, this is about as unappealing as you can
get for a stock looking '66 convertible—unless
it was painted Mosport Green. The auctioneer
claimed it would take over $40k to get it sold,
but I think the actual value was somewhere
between that and the final bid.
TOP 10
#10
#F45-1967
CHEVROLET
CORVETTE convertible. S/N
194677S108947. Lynndale Blue &
black/black vinyl/Bright Blue leather. Odo:
19,421 miles. 427-ci 435-hp V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp.
Fitted with sidepipes, ps, pb, AM/FM radio,
and alloy wheels. Originally painted Marina
Blue, now wears Lynndale Blue. Clear coat now
uniformly covers older masked-off black stripe,
paint is a lighter shade between outer border
and inner black stripe. Outer repaint masking
lines also present in door jambs and door sills.
Driver's door fit off, older rechromed bumpers
and replacement trim look nice. Older engine
bay and undercarriage detailing, older interior
with light wear. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $84,800.
The 435-hp '67s have taken the biggest hit in
48 Corvette Market SPRING 2009 www.vettemarket.com
interior starting to show some light but noticeable
wear on seats and carpeting. Authentically
detailed engine bay, clean undercarriage. Cond:
2-. SOLD AT $84,800. This was the most
potent engine combination you could order
if you wanted a/c. With this setup, you got the
“ooh, ahh” factor of Tri-Power induction with
the comfort of a/c and the convenience of hydraulic
lifters. Not a bad package for buyers in
2009—especially in the original color and trim
combo. Went two bids past the $79k reserve for
a current market correct price.
#S89-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194677S104798. Red &
white/white vinyl/white vinyl. Odo: 50,960
miles. 427-ci 390-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Fitted with
sidepipes, AM/FM radio, headrests, and alloy
wheels. Despite much body prep and sanding,
some light body wave is visible in both sides
under better-than-stock repaint. NCRS decal
in driver's side vent window. Fresh, authentic
engine bay and undercarriage cosmetics, slight
wear and soiling just starting on the newer
reproduction seats—that's the problem with
white vinyl. Runs out well. Cond: 2. SOLD AT
$75,260. One got the sense that this car was
undercarriage, newer aluminized exhaust system.
Seats, door panels, and dash pad appear to
be older replacements. Cond: 4+. NOT SOLD
AT $23,000. In Hollywood's typical “who cares
about accuracy—make it look good” way of
doing things, Lovell's car was portrayed as
a red C3 in the movie “Apollo 13.” Now part
of the Bob McDorman collection, he figured
it wasn't worth parting company for anything
under $30k. Being a $12k to $15k car without
the celeb factor, the final bid seemed to be a
more correct value—it's not rocket science.
#S78-1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194379S716682. Maroon/black
vinyl. Odo: 56,239 miles. 427-ci 435-hp V8,
3x2-bbl, 4-sp. Fitted with sidepipes and AM/
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FM radio. Returned to its original configuration
by the consignor within the last year, as it was
acquired having a black paint job with ghost
flames and aftermarket 4-bbl induction. Shaved
and patched front wheelwell inner moldings,
uncut rears. Lightly cleaned up undercarriage.
Newer seats and carpeting. Cond: 3+. SOLD
AT $38,690. The consignor claimed to have the
original tank sticker, but he “put it somewhere
safe” in his office and can't find it. I expect it'll
turn up now that he dropped his $40k reserve at
the $36k point. A decent deal for both parties.
#F229-1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194379S710186. Fathom Green/
black vinyl. Odo: 12,179 miles. 427-ci 430-hp
V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. L88 engine. Documentation
includes tank sticker, order form, and ProtectO-Plate.
Rough but original paint with several
chips, nicks, and scratches. Front wheelwells
slightly shaved, left rear wheelwell has two-inch
chunk of fiberglass broken off. Light scuffing
and rust on top center of bumper, light paint
scrape in the same location. Engine clean but
NOT SOLD AT $65,000. It's hard for me to
get real excited about an all-black convertible.
Sure you can drop the top when you start to bake
on those warm 40-degree spring days, but I've
always thought convertibles should be in lighter,
more festive colors. $75k was needed to get the
job done on this cool, overcast day.
#U5-1972 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe . S/N 1Z37K2S515222. Elkhart Green/
black vinyl. Odo: 19,510 miles. 350-ci 200-hp
V8, 4-bbl, auto. Equipped with a/c, AM/FM
radio, heavy-duty battery, and leather interior.
Presented with the original Protect-O-Plate,
window sticker, purchase contract, warranty
booklet, and initial Arkansas registration. Good
body prep covered by smooth repaint, good
original brightwork. Claimed to have the “high
justification for the retail refurbishment types to
resquirt cars to more “saleable combinations.”
#S9-1975 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Custom 4-dr sedan. S/N 1Z37J5S425907.
White/black vinyl. Odo: 79,249 miles. 350-ci
V8, 4-bbl, auto. Built from three cars—a 1974, a
1981, and a 1982—although the only thing that
seems to have been used from the '74 was the
VIN. Billed as being a limo, but with no front-torear
compartment divider. Body repsprayed over
original cracked and crazed paint, forward T-top
undetailed. All original interior with slight
patina. Cond: 3-. NOT SOLD AT $425,000.
Received an NCRS Regional Top Flight in April,
was part of the L88 Special Collection at last
year's Bloomington Gold, and has been accepted
for 2009 Benchmark judging. Sometimes
it seems like we beat up on original cars on the
subject of fit and finish, but that's the way they
were built and they need to be preserved as such.
While this could be a plausible selling price, the
consigning dealer was not interested in moving
off his $450k reserve.
#S131-1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194679S725265. Tuxedo
Black/black vinyl/black leather. Odo: 23,061
miles. 427-ci 435-hp V8, 3x2-bbl, auto. Tank
sticker claimed to verify provenance, but with
no copies displayed. Fitted with sidepipes &
AM/FM radio. Slightly shaved front wheelwell
inner lips, untouched rears. Excellent repaint,
door gaps a bit wide but are more consistent
than stock. Rear suspension sits a bit high, but
can be blamed on fresh rear springs. Clean,
bone stock engine bay to include all smog
gear. Newer seats and door panels, center console
looks redyed and clear coated. Cond: 2.
horse” 350, but announced on the block to be
non-original. Clean and generally well detailed
engine, good original interior with some wrinkling
and soiling throughout. Cond: 3+. SOLD
AT $20,140. On Friday, this was hammered
sold at $18,750, but it was re-run on Sunday
morning to a slightly higher $19k hammer price.
From all appearances, a dealer flipped the car
over for a quick couple hundred dollar profit in
two days. The original documentation offset the
motor swap, but this was still top market pricing
on Friday and a lucky sale on Sunday.
#F13-1974 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 1Z67J4S418221. Red/black
vinyl/black leather. Odo: 70,125 miles. 350-ci
195-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Complete color change
from original Dark Green with neutral vinyl interior.
Factory options include a/c, pb, ps, pw, and
luggage rack. Newer repaint on good body prep,
slightly shaved front wheelwell lips. Typical
C3 door gaps with clunky fit, newer windshield
with some glue slop on inside A-pillars and reused
original windshield trim. Cleaned-up nonstock
engine compartment. Newer replacement
seats and carpet, redyed dash, console and door
panels. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $17,490. This went
past its $16k reserve without too much difficulty.
If this was a minty original, I could probably see
this as market pricing, but for a color-changed
used car lot special, this was a lot to spend. Sold
exceptionally well, and unfortunately gives more
panels look pretty good. It's easy to see where
the bodies were spliced together, as it's cracking
there. Mostly reused interior components from
the 1981 and 1982, with spliced carpeting. Cond:
4+. SOLD AT $26,500. Billed as “not another
like it,” and thank god for that. It was sold over
the phone, and I'm not surprised—they must
have been too embarrassed to bid in person.
For those who are not masters of the obvious,
this was sold exceptionally well.
#F58-1978 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Indy Pace Car
Edition coupe. S/N
1Z87L8S902488. Black and silver/silver leather.
Odo: 46,433 miles. 350-ci 185-hp V8, 4-bbl,
auto. Original Pace Car package smoked glass
T-top panels replaced with standard C3 painted
panels. The only non-Pace Car package option
is cruise control. Repaint with orange peel in
several places. Newer replacement seats, carpeting,
and door panels all show minimal wear.
L48 engine now wears L82 cast aluminum valve
covers and a chromed Mr. Gasket valve cover
breather. Engine shows some rattle can restoration
in black, but original blue engine paint
can be seen in spots. Cond: 3. NOT SOLD AT
$19,750. Last seen at the Corvettes at Carlisle
auction in August '08, then a no-sale at $13k
(CM# 117910). Despite that, was declared on
the block to take closer to $21k to get it sold.
Cleaned up slightly better than when last seen,
this was not a minty authentic example, and it
should've rightfully changed hands at this kind
of money.
C4
#W53-1986 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 1G1YY6781G5906626.
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White/white vinyl/silver leather. Odo: 71,914
miles. 350-ci 235-hp fuel-injected V8, auto.
Consigned by the original owner. Factory options
include dual power leather sport seats,
cruise control, and Delco-Bose audio system.
Generally well kept original paint with only a
few light chips to nose and two cracks near right
rear corner of hood. Lighter wear on the original
interior than mileage would suggest. Engine
compartment cleaned up but not detailed. Cond:
3+. SOLD AT $8,000. While the lower miles and
one-owner factor made this a C4 to buy, the few
issues that should be attended to brought it back
to average. The reserve was taken off when it hit
this bid, selling toward the lower end of market
pricing. A fair exchange for both parties.
#F207-1988 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Challenge Series racer.
S/N
1G1YY2185J5113483.White & red/black cloth.
Odo: 8,843 miles. 350-ci 245-hp fuel-injected
V8, 4+3 manual. Protofab build number 157012,
roll cage number 88-164. Campaigned
as number 76 in the 1988 series, sponsored by
MPS Motorsports and Mobil 1 and driven by
Peter Cunningham. Cosmetically restored back
to as-delivered condition. No worse than stock
repaint, gouge in driver's side forward corner of
and maintained since new, with the original
paint, top, tires, and interior. Four very light
nicks on nose appear to have been touched
up. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $23,850. Most folks
would say these wheels are post-1988; however,
they were part of the Z52 suspension package
this car was equipped with. Last seen at the
Potts Auction Company's sale in Dalton, GA,
in March '05, then selling for $18,900 (CM#
37868). We've seen some upward pricing on
exceptionally nice C4s—and I'll definitely lump
this car into the genre. If you want one of the
nicest original 1988 C4 convertibles anywhere,
this would be well bought. Otherwise, slightly
rich for most tastes.
#S220-1990 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
ZR-1 coupe. S/N 1G1YZ23J9L5802829.
Red/red leather. Odo: 5,074 miles. 350-ci 375hp
fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. Ordered new by
Chevrolet's Central Office in Warren, MI, with
two factory options: electronic climate control
and dual roof panels. Part of two museum collections
for most of its existence, mileage stated
as correct. Almost completely original aside
from fluids and a replacement AC-Delco battery
fitted with a disconnect switch. No blemishes or
Washed-off undercarriage. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT
$17,490. Last seen in January '08 at Mecum's
Kissimmee auction, selling out there for $10,000
(CM# 49069). When this ran on Wednesday as
lot W95, it was a no-sale at $15,000, which
should have been more than enough to move
it to a new home. The announced final selling
price was plenty for all factors involved, so this
can be considered exceptionally well sold.
#U90-1996 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Collector
Edition coupe. S/N
1G1YY22PXT5111902. Silver/tinted panel/
black leather. Odo: 43,455 miles. 350-ci 300-hp
fuel-injected V8, auto. Aftermarket additions
include window tint, blacked-out taillights, mud
flaps, illuminated front license plate frame, rear
spoiler, alarm system, and chrome C5 Z06-style
wheels with ZR-rated performance tires. Good
nick-free original paint, spoiler paint matched
well to body. Generally cleaned-up engine bay,
hood graphics. Passenger's seat torn on inboard
seat bottom bolster. Flowmaster exhaust system
banged up and getting rusty. Runs out well, like
a C4 on steroids. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $42,400.
One of the 56 cars configured for the inaugural
year of the series, with its best finish in 1988
being 3rd place at Road America. As part of the
McDorman collection, they cut it loose at the
end of the bidding. Since they had it as a static
museum piece until now, hopefully the new
owner will get some track time on it again—even
if it is just in touring or exhibition events.
#F269-1988 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 1G1YY3188J5103410.
Medium Blue Metallic/white vinyl/blue leather.
Odo: 8,885 miles. 350-ci 245-hp fuel-injected
V8, auto. Options include electronic climate
control, twin heated sport mirrors, performance
rear axle, and sport handling package. Mileage
claimed correct. Exceptionally well preserved
52 Corvette Market SPRING 2009 www.vettemarket.com
nicks found in original paint, interior looks and
smells new. Show-ready engine bay. Cond: 2+.
NOT SOLD AT $27,500. The 1990–'96 ZR-1s
‘only problem is that minty virgins like this one
are not at all rare. You can easily comparisonshop
for cars that have even less miles and are
still on the MSO. However, unless you have
a set of car dollies to move it around in your
garage, I'd rather go with this example, as it did
get some exercise once in a while. On the lower
end of the price spectrum for a nice ZR-1, but if
the consignor doesn't need to sell it, he's best to
hang on to it for a while.
#U8-1991 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1YY2383M5104184. Red/tan
leather. Odo: 55,738 miles. 350-ci 250-hp
fuel-injected V8, auto. Factory optional dual
power leather sport seats and electronic climate
control. Mostly original well-cared-for paint
apart from some respray work to nose. Lower
budget replacement performance tires and exhaust,
interior wear commensurate to indicated
miles. Dealer-quality engine bay clean-up and
detailing, fresh AC-Delco replacement battery.
but not detailed. Slightly more seat wear than
expected for the mileage indicated, but commensurate
carpet and steering wheel wear. Cond: 3.
NOT SOLD AT $13,750. 2009 is turning out
to be the year of the 1996 Collector Edition for
me, as it seems like I've found at least one at
each sale I've been to thus far. This one was
the furthest from the mark for originality, which
hurts future appreciation of any limited edition
package. If the seller was looking to recoup the
cost of the mods, he'd better either expect less
for the car or start putting the add-ons on eBay.
C5
#F195-1998 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 1G1YY32G6W5100003.
Silver/black cloth/gray leather. Odo: 315 miles.
5.7-liter 345-hp fuel-injected LS1 V8, auto.
Factory options include Active Handling, power
sport seats, and magnesium wheels. Ordered
new and retained by Bob McDorman Chevrolet
since. Retains all original components, to include
several pieces in the engine compartment
marked as Pilot Material and Emissions Control
Exemption. Driver's seat has significantly
more soiling than expected, door panel speaker
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TOP 10
#10
#F197-2007 CHE VROLET CORVETTE
Z06 Ron Fellows Edition coupe.
S/N 1G1YY26E975131847. White
screens starting to rust. Mark and nick-free
original paint in excellent condition, top appears
to have never been dropped. Cond: 2-. SOLD
AT $40,810. As there wasn't a 1997 convertible,
this was the first production example, but with
the pilot parts on it, it seems like they were still
sorting a few things out. This makes an interesting
comparison to the the first 1998 C5 that was
sold at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale in January
'09 for $110,000 and the first 1999 C5 coupe
that sold for $110,000 at the B-J Palm Beach
sale in April '09. Bob was a prudent businessman
to cut it loose at this price, but it'll be an
instant Bloomington Gold Benchmark car in a
decade if it continues to sit.
TOP 10
#10
#F243-1999 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Lingenfelter 427 Twin Turbo coupe. S/N
1G1YY22G6X5109943. Red/gray leather.
Odo: 61,155 miles. 427-ci twin-turbocharged 905-hp
V8, 6-sp. Lingenfelter Performance Engineering
& red/Platinum leather. Odo: 4 miles. 7.0-liter
505-hp fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. Brand new car
on the MSO, ordered and shipped new to Bob
McDorman Chevrolet. Fitted with the only two
available options—navigation and OnStar—for
427-ci twin turbo upgrade, with 1,800 miles
on the powertrain. Other bits of the package
include RPS carbon fiber triple-disc clutch, Baer
brakes with slotted rotors, five-point roll bar,
and HRE wheels. Tested by Motor Trend magazine
in their March 2000 issue to 206 mph. Well
preserved paint, neat-as-a-pin engine bay. Far
less wear than expected on a car with 61k miles
on the clock. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $84,800. As
this was the car immediately after the Shelby
Cobra Daytona, few in the crowd thought the
tweaked C5 was going to do much. However,
this Lingenfelter was more than some pimped
up boy-racer, so several serious parties were
interested and bidding. In the world of tuner
cars, it is generally a case of “buyer beware,”
but this was a case of throwing the price guide
out the window. See the profile, page 36.
a $79,945 sticker price. Has not been dealer
prepped, with all original stickers and plastic in
place. No discernible wear or damage anywhere.
Cond: 1. SOLD AT $84,800. Unlike the 2008
427 editions, which seem to still pop up occasionally,
the Ron Fellows edition is a bit tougher
to locate. This may be the only case of a Chevy
dealer making out better on a two-year-old stock
2007 model than its MSRP—no wonder it was
cut loose. ■
NEW!
“Needs TLC”, “Average
Driver” and “Very Good”
prices for all models,
1900–88. FREE!
NOW ONLINE! The world's largest collector car price guide based
on over 500,000 sold transactions from
www.collectorcarpricetracker.com
For the collector who needs to know what things are selling for, right now.
Take your free test drive today.
www.vettemarket.com SPRING 2009 Corvette Market 53
. Updated weekly.
Page 52
Market
Report
Barrett-Jackson
Palm Beach, FL
Palm Beach Collector Car Auction
This year's buyers were more cautious, reserved, and undoubtedly trolling
for bargains, but blue-chip collectibles with good documentation still did well
Company
Barrett-Jackson
Date
April 9–11, 2009
Location
Palm Beach, Florida
Auctioneers
Tom “Spanky” Assiter &
associates
Overall cars sold / offered
487/487
Total sales rate
100%
Sales total
$20,034,837
Corvettes sold / offered
38/38
Corvette sales total
$2,094,675
Corvette high sale
1959 Corvette LS3 Custom
convertible, sold at $148,500
Shiny from every perspective
Report and photos by Dale Novak
Market opinions in italics
I
n line with recent Barrett-Jackson events, most sales at the 7th annual Palm Beach
Auction occurred under the $200,000 mark, but some very good numbers on some
very nice cars were still achieved, and the addition of cars from the GM Heritage
Fleet was a major draw for buyers from all over the country.
And it was the GM Heritage cars that became the talk of the auction, as the distress
created by one disgruntled individual who had managed to complain—rather effectively,
I might add—to GM and Washington officials about the inability to obtain titles
on some of the cars (which were clearly labeled with salvage and scrap titles, by the
way) eventually brought their sale at this auction to an abrupt halt. Kudos to BarrettJackson
for managing to dispatch the issue
quickly and reinstate all of the GM cars in the
auction, but the by-product of this shuffling of
lot numbers was that the auction ran very late
on Friday, and those bidders who stayed late
were rewarded with some extraordinary deals
on the GM Heritage offerings.
Buyers this year were noticeably more cau-
Corvette Sales Total
tious, reserved, and without question trolling
for bargains. Cars taking hits appeared to be
“built” show cars—be it a resto-mod, street
rod, or fakey-doo anything. But even so, this
year's Corvette high sale was one of those
cars—a 1959 convertible retrofitted with a
500-hp LS3 V8 which made $148,500.
Blue-chip collectible 'Vettes that were in
fine original condition and had good documen-
54 Corvette Market SPRING 2009 www.vettemarket.com
$1m
$2m
$3m
$4m
$5m
$6m
$7m
$8m
0
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
tation did well in most regards, such as a 1962 327/360
fuelie that made $143,000 and a 1969 427/435 convertible
that brought $66,000. However, documentation was
again the key in bringing big money, as was the case
with a could-be-original 1966 tanker that brought just
$75,900; it lacked paperwork to prove the originality of
the option.
Statistically, 2009 sales totaled $20,034,837 for 487
lots, as compared to total sales of $23,162,095 in 2008
for 493 lots—a 13% decrease. The number of Corvettes
available also dropped, with 59 offered last year against
this year's 38, and final Corvette totals fell from $4.2m
in 2008 to $2m this year. Attendance appeared to be
brisk and the Barrett-Jackson staff kept the cars moving
smoothly.
The short story here is that buyers in general seem
to be narrowing their focus and seeking out the very
best. Cars with issues are still finding buyers, but with
much more scrutiny and caution. Considering the state
of the economy, the market is holding up remarkably
well—and better than many other investments.
As a side note, I wish to thank Craig Gussert for
helping with the 75-plus cars we covered. He has the
ability to make initial, accurate assessments of body and
paint from 30 feet away, while walking at a brisk clip.
His comments are included with mine. ■
Buyer's premium
10%, included in sold
prices
Page 54
Market
Report
C1
TOP 10
#7
#664-1954 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
roadster. S/N E54S003925. Black/beige
canvas/red vinyl. Odo: 7,873 miles. 235-
ci 155-hp straight 6, 3x1-bbl, auto. Both door
gaps slightly wide at fenders. Beautifully polished
trim, driver's side front bumper very tight
to body, rear bumper fit tight as well. Restored
gauges look very nice and are in show condition.
Original radio looks weathered, but balance
of interior is excellent. Show quality paint
Barrett-Jackson
Palm Beach, FL
#681.1-1960 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 00867S102546. Red & white/
white vinyl/red vinyl. Odo: 17,542 miles. 283ci
270-hp V8, 2x4-bbl, 4-sp. Stated to be numbers-matching
with actual miles. Older respray
done well but now showing its age. Both doors
out at bottom, trunk lid extends lip by a half
inch. Decent chrome shows scratches, window
trim good but lightly scratched, windshield rubber
dry and cracked. Fitted with hard top. Very
TOP 10
#4
#674.1-1962 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 20867S110147. Burgundy/
black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 73,789
miles. 327-ci 360-hp fuel-injected V8, 4-bbl, 4sp.
Nut-and-bolt restoration still showing well,
numbers claimed to match. Excellent paint job,
some seams showing on body. Driver's door
out at bottom, other panel gaps consistent.
Hard top with plexiglass rear windows badly
cracking. Some pitting noted on wiper mounts,
and engine bay. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $110,000.
Last seen at Barrett-Jackson's Las Vegas sale
in October '08, where it sold at $91,300 (CM#
118310). Here, that number remained largely
unchanged when you factor in the commission,
fees, and transporting costs. That said, the
seller still managed to make a profit with his
gamble to buy and sell from venue to venue. A
market-correct result.
TOP 10
#3
#652.1-1959 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Custom convertible. S/N A59F230613.
Red & white/ivory leather. 6.2-liter
500-hp fuel-injected LS3 V8, auto. Paintwork
could use some additional wet-sanding to eliminate
minor orange peel. Driver's door chrome
fit off, trunk lid slightly out at rear, passenger's
door out a tad. Exceptional chrome in fine
condition, very nicely polished and somewhat
“space-age” looking engine bay. Custom interior
with nice gauge layout. Much nicer than new in
nice interior, but some paintwork is marginal.
Possible past damage to right front fender.
Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $84,700. This was a wellpreserved
Corvette with the desirable twincarb
270-horse motor. The big story here was
that the miles were declared to be actual, but
there was nothing to support that claim. That
said, without documentation present and with
the finicky market, I believe that an air-tight
history would have brought a six-figure result.
Market correct based on the presentation.
TOP 10
#8
#637.1-1960 CHEVROLET
CORVETTE
convertible. S/N
00867S105826. Ermine White & sil-
ver/black vinyl. 283-ci V8, 2x4-bbl, 4-sp. No
mention of matching numbers or documentation.
Driver-grade paint with spider webbing
noted. Driver's door wide at fender, fuel door
fit tight, trunk fit looks good. Engine bay dolled
up with plenty of rattle-can black throughout.
chrome very nice but just a notch below
show standards. Dashpad slightly wrinkled.
Regional Top Flight award. Cond: 2+. SOLD
AT $143,000. Fully restored after having had
only two owners from new. Very nice overall
with only some very picky issues to ponder,
but nothing that will keep you awake at night.
Reported to be fully documented and sorted
out mechanically, it was super nice and a true
show-worthy example. Quality, judging sheets,
matching numbers, and full documentation
yield an excellent result. Well sold.
C2
#355.2-1964 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 40867S116523. Saddle Tan/
tan vinyl. Odo: 52,617 miles. 327-ci 350-hp
V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Small crack noted in headlamp
bucket, some microblistering in paint, small
cracks in body at rear valance. Panel fit good
overall, driver's door fit tight, convertible top
cover tight to passenger's side. Vent window
most regards. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $148,500.
Another case of styling and quality prevailing
and a buyer stepping up to pay the price when
the offering is of an impeccable nature, even
if it's a resto-mod. Last seen at ICA's Gilbert
sale in January '09, where it was a no-sale at
$115,000. Straight-axle Corvettes did well here
in general, and this was a real show-stopper. No
harm done, and both buyer and seller should be
happy... especially the seller.
56 Corvette Market SPRING 2009 www.vettemarket.com
Hard top brightwork heavily scratched, most
other brightwork and chrome are of driver quality.
Cond: 3-. SOLD AT $99,000. This Corvette
was fitted with the desirable 2x4-bbl setup and
was noted to be fitted with a correct 283 engine.
The paintwork was obviously older and was
now showing age, but the car still presented
well and looked great. A nice Corvette for your
local shows and meets, and obviously two guys
just had to have it. Extremely well sold.
trim pitted, interior looks nice but is not to
show standards. Non-original motor fitted.
Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $43,450. This Corvette
looked great from about ten feet or so, and
only upon closer inspection did you begin to
notice the flaws. It had been upgraded with
disc brakes, which were not available in 1964,
and the 350-hp engine was a later unit as well.
Spot-on, market-correct money.
Page 55
#348.2-1964 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 40867S103295. Red/red vinyl.
Odo: 30,133 miles. 350-ci 350-hp V8, 4-bbl,
4-sp. Passenger's fender noted to have been repaired,
with repairs rather obvious. Body gaps
consistent throughout but slightly wide in all
regards. Vent window trim pitted, window trim
scratched, front bumpers very nice. Fitted with
hard top. Interior fairly fresh looking. Engine
bay of a driver, but not beat to death. Non-
original motor. Cond: 3-. SOLD AT $46,200.
The car card stated this to be an ex-fuelie
and noted all the reasons that was so, such
as the correct oil pressure gauge, high-RPM
tachometer, heavy duty sway bars, and the
mounting holes in the inner fender to support
the fuel injection air cleaner assembly. In this
market, the presumption of something being so
without further proof simply won't cut it. In my
book, the buyer paid fuel-injected money for a
driver-grade N.O.M. Corvette.
#344-1965 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194675S114156. Blue/white
vinyl/blue vinyl. Odo: 67,443 miles. 396-ci
425-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Non-original engine.
Front window trim lightly scratched, paint
appears to have some heat damage at hood as
well as masking issues in other areas. Typical
Corvette body with some possible past repairs
noted, passenger's door fit tight. Nice engine
bay, chrome and trim very good but not show
quality, rear bumper slightly wavy. Interior
appears well sorted. Cond: 3-. SOLD AT
$57,200. This was a nice driver-level Corvette
sporting a great color combination, provided
you liked blue. The market has grown very
weary of N.O.M. big-block Corvettes as of
late, as so many have been transformed from
their small-block beginnings. Not so with this
example, as the Protect-O-Plate identified the
car as an original big-block build. A fair deal
for both buyer and seller.
www.vettemarket.com SPRING 2009 Corvette Market 57
Page 56
Market
Report
Barrett-Jackson
Palm Beach, FL
#646-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194376S105394. Silver/black
vinyl. Odo: 379 miles. 427-ci 390-hp V8, 4bbl,
4-sp. Numbers match. Paint somewhat dull
and showing some unusual blemishes caused
by some sort of unknown liquid. Excellent
body gaps, trim nice but shows light dents.
Replated bumpers very nice, other trim excellent
and just a notch under show. Fitted with
factory a/c. Engine bay done to high standards,
Still, no harm done at this price, and both parties
should be happy.
#656-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194376S111735. Yellow/black
vinyl. Odo: 48,621 miles. 327-ci 350-hp V8,
4-bbl, 4-sp. Numbers claimed to match. Paint
looks rushed, with visible prep issues, terrible
masking along A-pillars could indicate a
hurried repair. Gaps decent overall, but hood
sits low. Driver quality chrome and trim,
passenger's bumper skewed to body, replacement
glass noted. Nice interior looks good and
shows little use. Fitted with Goldline tires,
it had apparently been done a very long time
ago. Looked great from 20 feet or so. Well sold,
considering the immediate needs.
#398-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194677S116957. Red/black
vinyl. Odo: 93,842 miles. 327-ci 350-hp V8,
4-bbl, 4-sp. Numbers claimed to match. Paint
good overall but nowhere near show quality,
passenger's door a tad wide at fender, cracks
noted in headlamp bucket edges. Front bumper
scuffed and slightly scratched, trim in driver
condition,
vent window trim pitted.
Nice
interior with some pitting on interior chrome
interior excellent. Top Flight award at a Dallas
regional meet in 2008. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT
$79,200. Reported to have had a full restoration
completed in 2004. Last seen at RM's
Fort Lauderdale sale in February '08, where it
was rated as a 1- and sold at $104,500 (CM#
60489). Here, due to the paint issues, which
I'm guessing happened after its last appearance,
I saw this as a 3+ car with 2+ potential
if the paint can be fixed. Market correct based
on the presentation.
#686-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194676S125625. Maroon/
black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 34,509 miles.
327-ci 350-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Driver's door
fit skewed, passenger's door tight to rear quarter,
headlamp buckets good. Windshield trim
scratched a-plenty, quarter window trim pitted,
reproduction knockoffs and sidepipes fitted.
Nice interior no longer super crisp. Well done
engine bay, but not to show standards. Possible
knockoffs, teak wheel, and sidepipes. Cond:
3-. SOLD AT $75,900. Last seen at RM's Fort
Lauderdale sale in February '09, where it sold
for $52,250 (CM# 119558). The car card here
noted that this could be a tanker, but it also
clearly noted that no documentation came with
the car to support that claim. Only 66 Corvettes
came out of the factory equipped with the large
36-gallon tank, and if the new owner can track
down the correct documentation, he'll do very
well. If not, this was big money for a smallblock,
non-air coupe.
#638-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194377S113695. Black/black
vinyl. Odo: 79,884 miles. 327-ci 350-hp V8,
4-bbl, 4-sp. Plenty of bodywork evident, with
some spider cracking and orange peel noted
throughout. Door gaps acceptable, headlamp
bucket on passenger's side pinched. Driverlevel
trim and brightwork are dimpled here and
there. Seat material on both sides well worn and
items. Good engine bay, but rattle-can matte
black evident. Cond: 3-. SOLD AT $57,200.
Last seen by yours truly at Mecum's Kissimmee
sale in January '09, where it was a no-sale
at $57,000 (CM# 119397). Here it sold at
$57,200, which includes commission, so the
buyer would have done better to take the previous
offer. I see guys move cars from venue to
venue all the time, and when you add up the
cost and fees, it really makes no sense unless
you're way off the money. The consignor took
a gamble in this no-reserve auction and ended
up with about a $5,000 hit.
C3
#28-1968 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194378S420083. Burgundy/black
vinyl. Odo: 54,156 miles. 327-ci 350-hp V8, 4bbl,
4-sp. Claimed to have matching numbers.
Touch-ups noted to paint, with some masking
issues and nose rivets showing through a bit.
damage to passenger fender and nose area.
Fitted with big-block hood. Numbers claimed
to match. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $62,700. Fitted
with the desirable L79 powerplant, this was a
very nice presentation, and only the apparent
bodywork detracted from an otherwise #2 car.
The fellow seated next to me in the bidder's
area had planned to purchase this car, but he
changed his mind when he noted the bodywork.
58 Corvette Market SPRING 2009 www.vettemarket.com
loose, door panels puckered. Freshly “dolledup”
engine bay. A well-used driver Corvette.
Cond: 4+. SOLD AT $55,000. The numbers
matched and the a/c was reported to still work,
so at least you have that going for you with this
tired and used coupe. Without it, this Corvette
may have found $10,000 less. Claimed to be
a frame-off restoration which may be so, but
Driver's door tight at rear quarter, passenger's
door tight as well. Hood fit slightly off. Chrome
and trim nice, both front and rear bumpers
show well. Decent interior but not a show car.
Fited with a/c, pw, ps, and pb. Cond: 3. SOLD
AT $27,500. The miles were noted to be actual,
and one would most likely agree with that
Page 57
assessment based on the presentation. There
wasn't a whole lot to pick on other than minor
issues, so although this wasn't a show car, it
would make a great weekend driver and was
ready for the local burger joint. No harm done,
and everyone should be happy.
#645-1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194679S709381. Blue/black
vinyl. Odo: 62,627 miles. 427-ci 435-hp V8,
3x2-bbl, 4-sp. Driver's door out, passenger's
door and headlamp doors fit well. Correct and
very well done engine bay showing only very
minor and super picky issues. Fitted with smog
pump. Nice interior is not to show standards.
Window trim very good but somewhat dull.
own, although the engine modifications might
give the bidders a cautionary pause. Most of
the interior was new and presented well, and
finding another one with a 4-speed, a/c, and
leather might be hard to do. Both buyer and
seller should be happy with this one.
#51-1971 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194371S104207. War Bonnet
Yellow/saddle leather. Odo: 41,050 miles. 350ci
270-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Paint shows some
subsurface dirt, areas of dry spray noted. Does
not appear to have been wet sanded or buffed
after exiting the spray booth. Driver's door
wide at fender, passenger's door way wide at
fender and at rear quarter, which may indicate
past damage. Hood fit off. Micropitting on
one to raise your bidder paddle on. It didn't appear
to have been abused, and there was nothing
to make you think it was a past Fright Pig
brought back from the dead. The NCRS Second
Flight award helped to verify the obvious high
quality and presentation, and a 4-speed would
have been icing on the cake. Absolutely market
correct, and both buyer and seller should go
home happy.
#675-1978 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Indy 500 Pace Car coupe. S/N N/A. Black &
silver/silver leather. Odo: 2,157 miles. 350-ci
220-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Every part of the car
is worn, chipped, scratched, cracked, faded,
torn, or ripped. Needs everything, but it is a
complete and fully functioning L82 model. A
Very good paint showing some age, but nothing
to fret over. Numbers match, tank sticker
verifies options and original build. Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $66,000. This was a very honest
and well-sorted L71 convertible, and the owner
was present to discuss any issues with prospective
bidders. If you were in the market for a
very nice but not quite show-quality big-block
convertible, this was the one to buy. Slightly
well sold in this market, but not by much.
#386-1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194379S708214. Red/red leather.
Odo: 20,614 miles. 427-ci 390-hp V8, 4-bbl,
4-sp. Claimed matching numbers. Masking
issues visible in paint, possible bodywork
at rear quarter panel. Fitted with factory a/c
and rear luggage rack. Driver's door skewed,
passenger's door pinched at
rear quarter,
headlamp bucket fit decent. Rear bumpers
scratched,
front bumper micropitted. New
seats, center console, door panels, and carpet.
Mild modifications to engine and engine bay.
Cond: 3-. SOLD AT $42,350. For a big-block
coupe, this would be a decent Corvette to
front and rear bumpers, other trim in driver
condition. Interior not abused but shows use
and enjoyment. Fitted with a/c and leather,
claimed to have matching numbers. Cond:
3-. SOLD AT $20,350. War Bonnet Yellow is
one of those love-it-or-hate-it colors, and I've
had plenty of conversations with guys stating
the same thing. The interior was complete
but showed use commensurate with the miles
noted, and those miles were said to be original,
so this presentation was about as expected. Not
abused, but a wide passenger's door gap would
require further investigation for possible damage.
A fair deal for both buyer and seller.
#348.1-1971 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194671S109765. Red/white
vinyl/red vinyl. Odo: 29,200 miles. 350-ci 270hp
V8, 4-bbl, auto. Claimed to have matching
numbers. Very nice paint with excellent prep
and application. Passenger's side faux engine
vent poorly fitted to body and sticks out, hood
fit off a tad, good convertible top fit. Chrome
very nice and showing only minor scuffs and
scratches. NCRS Second Flight awarded in
2007. Optioned with tilt wheel and a/c. Cond:
2-. SOLD AT $35,200. If you were in the market
for a very nice and drivable C3, this was
GM Heritage Fleet vehicle. Cond: 5-. SOLD
AT $29,700. One of the official Pace Cars
from the 1978 Indy race, and was used as the
VIP parade lap vehicle. One of only four built.
Truly a piece of Indianapolis 500 history as
well as GM history, so one might be able to
look past the eye-sore condition it was in here.
One has to wonder why it was so abused and
neglected in the first place. Still, a decent deal
for the history.
C4
#57.1-1988 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Twin-Turbo Prototype coupe. S/N EX5273.
Blue/blue cloth. 350-ci twin-turbocharged V8,
auto. A GM Heritage car. Very good gaps, but
nose fit could be better. Masking issues noted
with paintwork, black-out trim and body seam
rubber gasket still good. Well-worn interior
with plenty of issues noted. Paint color varies
from one panel to the next. Cond: 5+. SOLD
AT $42,900. Certainly
interesting for the
Corvette collector, as you'd be the only guy to
have one. That said, this might be hard to live
with based on the condition, but I don't think
www.vettemarket.com SPRING 2009 Corvette Market 59
Page 58
Market
Report
Barrett-Jackson
Palm Beach, FL
anyone is buying it for how it looks. Most likely
you'll only be allowed to drive this on a track,
and by the condition of the interior, GM techs
had a field day with it. Part of GM's history,
and better yet, part of Corvette history. It's
hard to put a number on something like this,
but I think we can agree this was a current
market-correct price.
#24-1994 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1YY22P6R5117950. Admiral
Blue/black leather. Odo: 17,333 miles. 350-ci
300-hp fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. Factory paint
nearly in showroom condition, with only
minor chips and polishing marks noted. Gaps
per factory, black trim nearly as-new, wheels
have some marking on them from a poor parking
job. Seats show wear but are certainly not
cars and not something you'll find on one of
the many Corvettes For Sale web sites. Sold
late on Friday, and the bidder was rewarded
for hanging around. Once the market settles
down, this will be very hard to replicate at this
price. Well bought.
TOP 10
#9
#654-2004 CHEVROLET
CORVETTE Classic Reflections
Custom convertible.
S/N
1G1YY32G845116104. Teal & white/tan
leather. 5.7-liter 350-hp fuel-injected LS1 V8,
auto. 1962-style front and rear end pieces, body
gaps very nice. Small chips and some light swirl
and polishing marks noted in finish. Possible
rear end damage to body, as there's a very visible
change in the paint color from top to bottom.
reporters try to capture a first glimpse of the
new body. Condition-wise, a real beater, but
certainly would make for an interesting conversation
piece for a static display in a dealer's
showroom. I believe this Corvette only has an
upside at the money paid, so I'll call it well
bought at this price.
#679.2-2006 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Z06 coupe. S/N 650016EX. Blue/black cloth.
7.0-liter 505-hp fuel-injected LS7 V8, 6-sp.
Plenty of scratches to paint, some of which
look rather severe. Panel fit good in all regards,
but certainly not perfect. Full racing harness
seats made by Sparco. LS7 powerplant looks
well used but is reported to be a new install
in January of 2008. A “road warrior,” and the
abused. Fully documented, one of 1,584 built
in Admiral Blue. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $17,600.
This was a very nice 1994 Corvette without
much to complain about. The factory 6-speed
tranny isn't too shabby either. The miles were
actual and the car had been obviously well
kept. Almost like buying a new 1994 example.
Sold at used car lot money, so no harm done, as
it is probably worth slightly more.
C5
#421-2003 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Le Mans Safety Car #6 coupe. S/N
1G1YY22G635108950. Maroon/gray leather.
5.7-liter 350-hp fuel-injected V8, auto.
Driver's door in at bottom, other gaps per factory.
Matte black trim very nice to excellent all
around. Vinyl graphics in very good condition
and nearly as new. A 50th Anniversary edition
Corvette. Overall, excellent and nearly as-new
in most all regards. Fitted with a 5-point harness
and roof mounted strobe lights. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $28,600. This is one of the official
safety vehicles from the 2003 24 hours of Le
Mans race, not a replica. It was nearly as-new
and presented as such. One of the GM Heritage
Chrome hood spears excellent. Driver's seat
shows use and enjoyment. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT
$90,200. A modern day Corvette with the styling
of a vintage C1. Full carbon-fiber body fitted to
a modern C5 chassis, which means you get a/c,
air bags, and all power accessories. Not too
long ago, these would bring $150,000+ for very
well-done examples. In general, resto-mods did
not fare all that well at this sale, and this was
more evidence of the softening of this type of car
in today's market. The market has spoken.
C6
Best Buy #57-2005 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
C6
Test Mule coupe. S/N
1G1YY24UX5X7120EX. White/black leather.
5.7-liter 350-hp fuel-injected LS1 V8, auto.
Heavily scratched paint and body, tape is applied
to attach “camouflage” to protect the identity
of the body from spy photos. Body gaps vary
widely as expected. Electronic door entrance
system, no door handles present. Decent interior,
but very well weathered on driver's side.
A GM Heritage offering. Cond: 5-. SOLD
AT $24,200. A prototype “Mule Car” for the
C6 platform, and surely quite rare. These are
the cars you see in those blurry spy photos as
first built Z06 for 2006. A GM Heritage offering.
Cond: 3-. SOLD AT $50,600. Built
on February 4, 2005, this was the first 2006
Z06, and it was the car GM engineers and
test pilots used for press photos and proving
ground events, including a 200-mph Autobahn
run by driver Tony Rifici in June of 2005. A
genuine part of GM and Corvette history, and
I find this to be quite a bargain, given the fully
documented history. Well bought.
#47-2007 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Z06 coupe. S/N 1G1YY26E375103512. Red/
black leather. Odo: 207 miles. 7.0-liter 505-hp
fuel-injected LS7 V8, 6-sp. Excellent gaps
all around, as per a new car. Interior like new
and showing no wear. With only 206 miles, a
barely broken-in 2007 Z06. Cond: 2+. SOLD
AT $55,000. The car card stated that this pristine
Corvette had never even been titled other
than by the originating dealer, so the buyer will
become the first owner by all accounts. The
factory warranty is still in place, so how can
you go wrong? Used Z06s can sell for more
than this, and I would be hard-pressed to call
this a used car. Well bought. ■
60 Corvette Market SPRING 2009 www.vettemarket.com
Page 60
Market
Report
C
Global Roundup
Corvettes across the block
80 More Corvettes, $1.8m Sold
orvette Market's Auction Analysts closely followed the market over the last few
months, covering Corvettes as they sold at auction in locations spanning the country.
Frankly, you can look at all the printed price guides on the planet, and not one
of them comes close to having a trained eye look at a specific Corvette, in person,
and report on what it was bid to, and whether or not it sold. That is the real market. As
with every issue of Corvette Market, the 80 cars described in detail here, along with the
values placed on these cars by bidders, make up the heart of this issue. We hope you find
this of assistance in your thoughtful collecting.
Auctions covered this issue:
RM Auctions, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 2/6/09—Russell Glace and Thomas Casey
McCormick Auctions, Palm Springs, CA, 2/20/09—Carl Bomstead
Silver Auctions, Portland, OR, 2/28/09—Paul Duchene
RM Auctions, Amelia Island, FL, 3/14/09—Donald Osborne
Mecum Auctions, Kansas City, MO, 3/20/09—B. Mitchell Carlson
Worldwide Auctioneers, Escondido, CA, 4/3/09—Carl Bomstead
RM Auctions, Toronto, CAN, 4/3/09—Norm Mort
Cox Auctions, Branson, MO, 4/17/09—Chuck Leighton
Carlisle Auctions, Carlisle, PA, 4/23/09—Chip Lamb
Worldwide Auctioneers, Seabrook, TX, 5/2/09—Carl Bomstead
Market opinions in italics
sold another for $440,000 at its November '07
Hilton Head auction (CM# 47636), but recent
auctions have seen these bid to just slightly
higher numbers than offered here. Worldwide
Group, Seabrook, TX, 5/09.
#NR47-1954 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
roadster. S/N E54S001105. Polo White/tan
vinyl/red vinyl. Odo: 7,147 miles. 235-ci 155hp
straight 6, 3x1-bbl, auto. New very beige
soft top over decent white exterior. Doors and
trunk show typical fit issues, interior door
mechanisms missing, numerous exterior paint
touch-ups are needed. Engine bay tidy. Cond:
3-. SOLD AT $57,200. White '54 Vettes have
become ubiquitous at recent auctions, and this
one was offered at no reserve. While other '54s
have sold recently at slightly higher prices,
this one was well sold, as it needed some work
to move up a notch or two. RM Auctions, Ft.
Lauderdale, FL, 2/09.
#F221-1954 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
C1
#278-1953 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
roadster. S/N E53F001210. Polo White/black
canvas/red vinyl. Odo: 3,075 miles. 235-ci
150-hp straight 6, 3x1-bbl, auto. Variable
panel fit, as per factory. Paint shiny with some
waviness in body panels showing underneath.
Good chrome with fading on headlight screens
and light pitting on front bumperettes and
be correct, and the car did have a nice, even,
mellow look to it. Still, the price paid seemed
to be in line with a general softening of early
Corvette values. RM Auctions, Amelia Island,
FL, 3/09.
#64-1953 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
roadster. S/N E53F001153. Polo White/black
fabric/red vinyl. Odo: 46,132 miles. 235-ci
150-hp straight 6, 3x1-bbl, auto. One of 300
first year Corvettes produced, extensive restoration
completed in November '08. Bodywork
and panel fit exceed factory specs, excellent
paint with no flaws noted. Engine spotless
with much attention to detail. Carburetor tags
all aligned. A very strong presentation. Cond:
1-. NOT SOLD AT $250,000. These are well
off their high of a few years back. Worldwide
roadster. S/N E54S001946. Polo White/black
cloth/red vinyl. Odo: 3,161 miles. 235-ci 155hp
straight 6, 3x1-bbl, auto. Original West
Coast car with older, high-quality white paint
exhibiting light cracks and chips. Nice chrome,
dull and dinged brightwork likely original.
Dash top and steering column recently painted a
very bright red against faded older interior bits.
windshield surround. Good interior shows
some wear at choke control on dash. Cond:
3+. SOLD AT $198,000. This car's mileage
reading of slightly over 3,000 was believed to
Seat stitching coming apart, carpet going in the
same direction. Driver-quality engine compartment
slightly tidier than when the car was last
here. Cond: 3. NOT SOLD AT $54,000. Last
seen here in October '08, where it failed to sell
at $50,000 (CM# 118087). This time, another
$4,000 was offered for this needy example with
a non-original engine. While a looker from
ten feet away, getting up close still resulted
in more disappointment than appreciation, so
more money may be tough to come by. Carlisle
Events, Carlisle, PA, 4/09.
62 Corvette Market SPRING 2009 www.vettemarket.com
Page 61
TOP 10
#5
#14-1954 CHEVROLET
CORVETTE roadster. S/N
E54S002655. Black/beige fabric/red
vinyl. Odo: 61,997 miles. 235-ci 155-hp straight
6, 3x1-bbl, auto. Recent frame-off restoration,
paint exceeds factory spec by factor of two,
door fit off at bottom and driver's door does not
close properly. New interior properly installed.
Stated to be one of four 1954s finished in black.
#447-1957 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Custom convertible. S/N E57S101602.
Bronze/orange vinyl. Odo: 4,633 miles. 468ci
V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Painted bronze with red,
orange, and blue flames. Cracks along tops
of doors, other numerous minor issues noted.
Decent chrome and trim, pitted door handles
and tail lamp bezels. Orange seats, worn orange
carpets. Lots of glitter and presumably
paint rub-off on side of seat. Bloomington
Gold recipient in 2008. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT
$129,800. Last seen at Corvettes at Carlisle in
August '08, where it failed to sell at $85,000
(CM# 118012). A highly rated Corvette in
good colors, but the work seemed a bit casual
in the details. Very well sold. See the profile,
p. 28. RM Auctions, Amelia Island, FL, 3/09.
Not judged by NCRS or Bloomington. Cond:
1-. SOLD AT $138,600. Last seen at RM's
Fort Lauderdale sale in February '07, where it
sold at $85,320 in 3+ condition (CM# 44289).
The seventh of the four black '54 Corvettes I've
seen over the past year or so. All claim to be
original, or at least that's the way the sellers
bought them. This seems like a ton of money
for an over-restored '54 that would be buried
by
Bloomington
judges.Worldwide
Seabrook, TX, 5/09.
#T38-1956 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N E56S004000. Sportsman
Red & white/tan vinyl/tan vinyl. Odo: 67,655
miles. 283-ci V8, 4-bbl, 3-sp. Non-original
motor. Older repaint very wavy throughout,
with light sags and dirt in coves. Fair amount
of filler in rear quarters, interior may be original
or part of a long-ago light restoration effort.
Carpet appears correct if older, bumpers and
brightwork appear original and rather pitted.
Engine bay clean but not original, high-rise
Group,
plenty of power from the big-block under the
hood. Cond: 3-. SOLD AT $24,503. And now
for something completely different. Brought in
from Nova Scotia, this evoked groans from the
purists. Definitely not to all tastes, this wild
looking 'Vette sold for less than it cost to build.
Well bought if it fulfills the buyer's dream. RM
Auctions, Toronto, CAN, 4/09.
#31-1957 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
COPO racer. S/N E57S104387. Onyx Black/
red vinyl. Odo: 38,428 miles. 283-ci 283-hp
fuel-injected V8, 4-sp. One of 43 Corvettes
equipped with RPO 579E Rochester fuel injection.
Extensive racing history with 24 victories
#F210-1959 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N J59S109335. Silver/black
vinyl/red vinyl. Odo: 59,269 miles. 283-ci
230-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Claimed unrestored
car shows panel work and retouching in places.
Original paint flaking off hard top and is
chipped and scratched elsewhere. Chrome and
brightwork surprisingly nearly free of pitting
but exhibit plenty of scratches and light dings.
Seats redone in cheap vinyl a long time ago,
dashboard and carpet appear original. Engine
bay tarted up at one point, including repaint to
manifolds and engine. Cond: 4+. NOT SOLD
Edelbrock intake manifold and aftermarket
carburetor fitted. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $54,600.
Last seen here in October '08, where it failed
to sell at $40,000 (CM# 118076). With just
four more miles on this one since last fall's appearance,
not much changed here except that
the title delay was gone and the car sold for a
reasonable amount of money despite its many
needs. Not sure where one goes with this except
as a driver, and with a 3-speed, that represents
an additional challenge. Slightly well sold.
Carlisle Events, Carlisle, PA, 4/09.
and 55 top-three finishes. Quality restoration
to 1963–64 racing configuration, but fitted
with non-original engine and transmission
case. Numerous recent awards. Cond: 2. NOT
SOLD AT $450,000. Extensive history and
a quality restoration should equal big bucks,
but bidding fell short here. It should be worth
more considering all it had going for it, but the
market did not think so on this day in Houston.
Worldwide Group, Seabrook, TX, 5/09.
#292-1958 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N J58S101733. Yellow &
white/black vinyl/charcoal vinyl. Odo: 8 miles.
283-ci 245-hp V8, 2x4-bbl, 4-sp. Variable
panel fit somewhat beyond factory. Good paint
with some overspray on bumper insulation
blocks, unmarked chrome. Good interior has
some overspray on fender door rubber and a
AT $62,000. Last seen a few weeks ago at Tom
Mack's Charlotte Autofair sale, where it failed
to sell at an undisclosed amount. Here this car
was bid to a high number but still didn't sell.
It's hard to say what percentage of the overall
car remained in its original finish, and the
Powerglide transmission didn't help matters
much either. This bid was all the money and
more for this tired example. Carlisle Events,
Carlisle, PA, 4/09.
#550-1959 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N J59S107735. Inca Silver
& white/black vinyl/red leather. Odo: 92,953
miles. 283-ci 245-hp V8, 2x4-bbl, 4-sp. Rough
door jambs, masking lines and paint chips
show this restoration's age. Instrument panel
didn't fit after dash was redone and has been
obviously forced into place. Nicely done hard
www.vettemarket.com SPRING 2009 Corvette Market 63
Page 62
Market
Report
Global Roundup
Corvettes across the block
broken off. Acceptable door gaps and fit,
excellent original chrome and trim. Older lowimpact
engine detailing now getting dusty and
greasy. Older replacement interior soft trim,
dingy black rubber floor mats. Cond: 3. SOLD
AT $56,180. With the Powerslide automatic
and only the hard top, there's not much justification
to go past $50k here, and that's where
the bidding on the block stopped. However, the
consignor stood firm and fast at $55k, and it
paid off as a post-block sale. Once in a while, I
guess you get lucky. Mecum Auctions, Kansas
City, MO, 3/09.
top headliner, checkbook interior restoration,
once-nice engine bay has fuel-stained carbs
and stickers damaged from pressure washing.
A tired, mediocre Corvette. Cond: 4+. SOLD
AT $62,100. This Corvette was really in need
of a complete redo, as everything was aging
and some of it not too well. It's hard to believe
this car would bid higher than the '62 fuelie.
The seller just got all the money in the world.
Cox Auctions, Branson, MO, 4/09.
#S126-1961 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 10867S102204. Tuxedo
Black/black vinyl/red vinyl. Odo: 51,308
miles. 283-ci 270-hp V8, 2x4-bbl, 4-sp.
Refurbished with a frame-on redo about a year
ago, to include a good quality repaint, engine
rebuild, replating of bumpers and trim pieces,
new top, and replacement interior soft trim.
Suspension sits a bit low in the rear. Door
fit not too great, as both sides lay unevenly
NOT SOLD AT $130,000. This car was on the
block at Barrett-Jackson's Palm Beach sale in
March '06, where it sold at $137,160. Since then
only 52 miles had turned on the odometer, but
even so, it had some needs, and I think the seller
missed an opportunity in selling it at this price.
RM Auctions, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, 2/09.
#S88-1962 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 20867S105956. Honduras
Maroon /black vinyl & maroon hard top/black
vinyl. Odo: 33,280 miles. 327-ci 360-hp fuelinjected
V8, 4-sp. Factory options include
Positraction, both tops, seat belts, and AM/FM
radio. Decent repaint over wavy prep work,
rear wheelwell lips shaved slightly, fronts
C2
TOP 10
#2
Best Buy #287-1963 CHEVROLET
CORVETTE
Z06
coupe. S/N
30837S112830. Navy blue/blue vinyl.
Odo: 34,120 miles. 327-ci 360-hp fuel-injected
V8, 4-sp. Generally good panel fit, door to roof
gaps off. Very good paint and chrome except for
some minor loss of paint on hood “vent” pieces.
Good interior shows some wear on console, carpets
a bit baggy. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $192,500.
against body despite decent gaps. Wears four
original T-3 headlight bulbs. New top shows
some weathering and wrinkling from lesser
quality installation. Authentically detailed engine
bay. Cond: 2-. NOT SOLD AT $63,000.
The dealership that consigned this was looking
at getting about $70k out of it. With today's
market, plus the general cooling of most C1
values, they should have taken the money and
run—especially since this was in that very low
2- to very high 3+ condition zone. Mecum
Auctions, Kansas City, MO, 3/09.
#SP60-1962 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 20867S104187. Sateen Silver/
black vinyl. Odo: 26,388 miles. 327-ci 360-hp
fuel-injected V8, 4-sp. An older restoration
with NCRS and Bloomington Gold recognition
many years ago. Nice paint, chrome, and trim.
Fitted with heavy-duty brakes and suspension
options. While its glory days have passed, it still
looks formidable, but it is in immediate need of
new tires before going on the road. Cond: 3+.
64 Corvette Market SPRING 2009 www.vettemarket.com
untouched. Excellent headlight trim bezel to
body fit, four T-3 bulbs still in place. Engine
bay rather bland despite having been cleaned
up. All ignition shielding missing. Wrinkled
replacement dashpad around rear view mirror,
heavier-than-stock gloss on replacement interior
vinyl. Cond: 3. NOT SOLD AT $50,000. The
seller couldn't have been too serious about selling
it, as the bidding started at just two grand.
Things pretty much petered out at $50k, with no
idea on what it was really going to take to sell it.
Mecum Auctions, Kansas City, MO, 3/09.
#S167-1962 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 20867S105325. Ermine
White/white hard top/red vinyl. Odo: 66,278
miles. 327-ci 250-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Mileage
claimed correct. Good quality old repaint with
most masking lines muted from polishing.
Original windshield weatherstripping with
several cracks and a couple of small chunks
A “big tank” Z06 Split Window would push
practically every button in the Corvette world,
and that's what we were presented with here.
This car scored 98 points in National NCRS
events, has been given Top Flight status, and was
shown with a raft of documents. Nevertheless,
some of the very particular gurus of Corvette
could not be convinced to sign off on it. As a
consequence, it sold under the low estimate of
$225k. If all checks out, the buyer may have
found a bit of a bargain. RM Auctions, Amelia
Island, FL, 3/09.
#391-1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 30837S119743. Ermine White/red
vinyl. Odo: 65,839 miles. 327-ci 340-hp V8, 4bbl.
Cosmetic restoration to an average standard.
Lots of overspray and orange peel, paint needs
to be rubbed out and buffed. Average panel fit.
Page 63
Overspray in engine compartment. Nice interior
is stated to be original. Cond: 3. SOLD AT
$55,000. Was a no-sale at RM's Toronto sale in
October '04 at $35,690 (CM# 36781), where
it was stated to have received a high quality
respray. Driven 10,000 hard miles since, which
required a quickie respray. Correct money for
a very average L76 Split-Window. Worldwide
Group, Escondido, CA, 4/09.
#588-1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 30837S113724. Light blue/black
leather. Odo: 18,151 miles. 327-ci 300-hp V8,
4-bbl, auto. Paint shows wetsanding scratches,
weatherstripping dry, glass scratched. Original
interior OK aside from missing and incorrect
trim screws and beat-up center console. Honest
driver-quality engine bay missing distributor
shielding, undercarriage clean but not new by any
some small details taken care of. The bent
trim at the rear windows would probably be
expensive to replace, but it was one of many
little things that added up to make this just an
expensive driver. The seller would have been
wise to cut it loose, as this was all the money
for this one right now. Cox Auctions, Branson,
MO, 4/09.
#388-1964 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 40737S111553. Eng. # 3782870.
Riverside Red/black vinyl. Odo: 31,938 miles.
327-ci 365-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Correct casting
numbers and date codes provided by seller.
Panel fit to factory specs, with some inconsistencies
throughout. Minor blemishes in paint,
no issues with interior. A respectable, rather
means. A quickie closed-door restoration. Cond:
3. NOT SOLD AT $45,000. 1963 was the first
year for the Sting Ray moniker and the only year
for the split rear window. This car just wasn't nice
enough to meet the demands of today's market, as
obviously rushed work doesn't inspire confidence
in anyone. Bidders were smart to pass on this
one, and the seller needs to either rethink his restoration
strategy or cut this loose. Cox Auctions,
Branson, MO, 4/09.
#572-1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 30837S109818. Eng. #
3109818F0219RF. Red/black leather. Odo:
6,023 miles. 327-ci 360-hp fuel-injected V8,
4-sp. Nice, older exterior renovation, lightly
pitted bumpers and ill fitting back glass trim.
Mediocre interior with many original parts,
yellowed courtesy lights, masking lines visible
around gauges. Recent carpet and vinyl look
great but just don't quite fit right. Mismatched
hose clamps and Armor All under the hood
aren't outweighed by a correct Delco battery.
Cond: 3+. NOT SOLD AT $80,000. This
Corvette would have done much better with
basic Corvette. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $40,425.
The seller claimed this car had matching numbers
and provided the documentation to back it
up, but even so, the price paid was a touch on
the low side. It could have sold for a bit more
without concern. Well bought. McCormick
Auctions, Palm Springs, CA, 2/09.
#SP48-1964 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 40837S104737. Daytona Blue/blue
vinyl. Odo: 22,704 miles. 327-ci 360-hp fuelinjected
V8, 4-sp. Well preserved since frameoff
restoration ten years ago. A “Big Tank” car
with J56 brakes and Positraction. Nice paint,
chrome, and interior, engine bay should have
been detailed better to complete the offering.
Cond: 3+. NOT SOLD AT $70,000. The high
bid was not accepted, but the auctioneer hinted
it was close to the price it would have taken to
sell this fuelie. If so, the consignor would have
been smart to consider the bid. RM Auctions,
Ft. Lauderdale, FL, 2/09.
#SP90-1964 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 824M297363. Silver Blue/
white vinyl/white vinyl. Odo: 41,293 miles. 327ci
375-hp fuel-injected V8, 4-sp. Very well done
recent body-off restoration with excellent paint,
panel fit, chrome, trim, and interior. Desirable
fuelie motor in well-detailed compartment.
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Corvettes across the block
Cond: 3. SOLD AT $52,250. A third of all '64
Corvettes had the L76 327/365 engine, which
was a $107 option. Price paid was market
correct for a '64 Corvette coupe in average
condition. Drive and enjoy until it's time to do
proper respray. Worldwide Group, Escondido,
CA, 4/09.
Cond: 2. NOT SOLD AT $57,500. This 'Vette
had a great look overall, and the 375-hp 327
was the top of the heap in 1964. Seller was correct
to hold out for a better day. RM Auctions,
Ft. Lauderdale, FL, 2/09.
#S144-1964 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 40867S116205. Riverside
Red/white vinyl & red hard top/red vinyl. Odo:
28,716 miles. 327-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Body tag
missing along with lower dashboard mount
bolts. Daytona Blue visible at the bottom of
several layers of chipping paint in door jambs.
Heavily buffed red paint with lots of overspray
on weatherstripping. Fitted with big-block hood,
427 emblems, and sidepipes. Heavily faded and
worn old replacement seats, carpeting crudely
cut and glued in from left-over house carpet,
armrests from either a Corvair or Chevy II sedan
fited. Engine bay a mess, but it does seem to run
OK. Cond: 4. SOLD AT $29,680. The first of
two rough '64 red convertibles I found at this
sale. Cheap for loads of good reasons, although
I've seen worse sell for more. Mecum Auctions,
Kansas City, MO, 3/09.
#397-1964 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 40867S103481. Satin Silver/
black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 91,506 miles.
327-ci 365-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Stated to have
matching numbers. Normal varied panel fit to
factory specs, numerous stress cracks in paint.
Minor dents in trim, fitted with reproduction
knockoffs. Original interior in decent condition.
cracks around headlights, scratches here and
there. Front fenders worn by wide tires, rear
quarters cut and flared for even wider ones. Left
front bumper crinkled, others old. Cond: 4. NOT
SOLD AT $34,000. Rode hard, but put away
dry in Nevada, at least. Much, much older than
its years, and probably drives like a bad dream.
I'd have jumped at the high bid like a drowning
man. Silver Auctions, Portland, OR, 2/09.
66 Corvette Market SPRING 2009 www.vettemarket.com
console top quickly repainted red. Very original
and aged looking underhood. Cond: 3. SOLD
AT $29,849. Refurbished rather than restored,
this 327/300 coupe was a former California
car that still retained its original interior and
numbers-matching V8, and the mileage was
believed to be correct. White's not a favorite
among Corvette collectors, but this was a good
buy. RM Auctions, Toronto, CAN, 4/09.
#48-1965 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194375S105336. Red/black
vinyl & red hard top/black vinyl. Odo: 61,309
miles. 327-ci 300-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. A Nevada
car, one of 1,191 originally finished in Tuxedo
Black. 1964 hood, no power steering or power
brakes, comes with both tops. Door fit typical,
chrome rallies on modern blackwall radials.
No documentation on big-block engine.
Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $42,000. Last seen here
in November '08, where it failed to sell at
$47,000 (CM# 118800). Not everyone wants
a Bloomington Corvette; this was the perfect
car for the guy who'd rather have one that
just looks and sounds good. As such, this was
priced right. McCormick Auctions, Palm
Springs, CA, 2/09.
#173-1965 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194375S116808. Rally Red/red
vinyl. Odo: 65,751 miles. 396-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4sp.
Protect-O-Plate and papers discovered with
car document original equipment. Excellent
paint and panel fit, off-road exhaust, AM/FM
radio. Engine bay clean with no leaks or streaks.
Strong presentation. Cond: 1-. NOT SOLD AT
$71,000. A documented car in this condition
should have brought another $10k or so. The
Best Buy #SP70-1964 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 40837S114292. White/red vinyl.
Odo: 71,710 miles. 327-ci 300-hp V8, 4-bbl,
auto. Body off for restoration, photos said to
be available. Resprayed in original white to
high standard. Original stainless rockers worn,
all other chrome fresh but showing scratches
throughout. Good original red seats, dash faded,
#SP69-1965 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194675S102559. Green/
black cloth/black vinyl. Odo: 87,709 miles.
327-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Older resprayed green
paint with dirt, chips, and scratches. New, but
not flawless chrome. Haphazardly painted console.
Underside solid and painted black, very
original under the hood. Refurbished wheels
with new chrome caps and set of Michelin tires.
Cond: -3. NOT SOLD AT $39,690. Sidepipes
and wheels helped make this green 'Vette more
attractive. Stated it was all original, but a cosmetic
or sympathetic resto was evident. Price
seemed like more than enough, considering its
issues. RM Auctions, Toronto, CAN, 4/09.
#149-1965 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194675S122156. Rally
Red/black vinyl/black leather. Odo: 53,739
miles. 396-ci 425-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Born as
an Ermine White Corvette. New interior, red
piping on black leather not typical. Very good
paint and panel fit, decent chrome, window
frames pitted. Equipped with sidepipes and
Page 65
#SP79-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 19467S124537. Mosport
Green/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 2 miles.
427-ci 425-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Recently completed
body-off restoration with much detail
work, including orange overspray on exhaust
manifolds. Claimed to be the only 427/425 in
seller, well known in Corvette circles, should
have no trouble getting his price. McCormick
Auctions, Palm Springs, CA, 2/09.
#109-1965 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convetible. S/N 19465S109047. Glen Green/
tan fabric/black vinyl. Odo: 62,485 miles.
327-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Minor paint blemishes
in otherwise decent paint. Equipped with sidepipes,
power windows, power brakes, power
steering, reproduction knockoffs, and Goldline
Mosport Green, it also has two tops, as well as
optional F41 performance suspension. A few
swirl marks in the paint, but still a magnificent
offering. Cond: 2. NOT SOLD AT $90,000.
Very nicely done throughout. The seller made
the right decision to keep this 'Vette at this price,
as I think there's more money out there for it.
RM Auctions, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, 2/09.
#NR27-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
tires. Very nice interior. Cond: 2. NOT SOLD
AT $54,000. Glen Green is an attractive color
that was even more popular than Rally Red
when new. The price bid would buy an average
L75 convertible, but this one was a bit better
than that. Another $10k would not have been
out of line, so the seller can't be faulted for
taking this home. McCormick Auctions, Palm
Springs, CA, 2/09.
#196-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194676S105771. Sunfire
Yellow/black vinyl. Odo: 56,130 miles. 327-ci
300-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Respray in attractive
color to high standard with no issues noted, fit
and alignment better than when it left the factory.
Goldline tires a $46 option in 1966. Interior
coupe. S/N 194376S111735. Sunfire Yellow/
black vinyl. Odo: 48,616 miles. 327-ci 350-hp
V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. A well presented and correct
“big tank” coupe. Paint and panel gaps nicer
than stock, chrome and trim well-fitted and
showing no issues. Optioned with goodies
during restoration. Restamped engine block
to make it “numbers matching.” Replica 1969
Missouri inspection tag affixed to replacement
windshield. Moderately detailed engine compartment.
Cond: 3+. NOT SOLD AT $43,000.
Last seen at Kruse's Scottsdale auction in
January '99, where it failed to sell at $28,500
(CM# 6301). Proof once again that “matching
numbers” is a misnomer if you stamp the
numbers you want wherever you want them.
The bidders had a far more realistic view of
this contrived coupe than the consignor, who
had a $60k reserve. Mecum Auctions, Kansas
City, MO, 3/09.
#S66-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194676S115502. Ermine
White/white vinyl/bright blue leather. Odo:
92,631 miles. 427-ci 390-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp.
Claimed to have left the factory with a 425-hp
mill. Factory options include full tinted glass,
pb, side exhaust, and teak wheel. Also fitted
with leather seats and reproduction knockoffs.
Recently completed body-on-frame refurbishment,
with body character lines still crisp de-
such as sidepipes and radio delete, as ordered
by serious drivers back in the day. One of only
66 36-gallon tank coupes built in '66. Offered
at no reserve. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $52,250. At
$52,250, this “tanker” was well bought, to say
the least. These models have been selling at
quite a premium in the past few years, so the
new owner should be pleased. RM Auctions, Ft.
Lauderdale, FL, 2/09.
#F73-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
appears to be in very nice condition, window
frames pitted. A striking 'Vette. Cond: 2. NOT
SOLD AT $50,500. A very nice but far from
perfect Corvette that could have brought another
$7,500 or so without a question. As such,
the owner will wait for another day and hope
the economy improves. McCormick Auctions,
Palm Springs, CA, 2/09.
coupe. S/N 194376S125973. Nassau Blue/black
leather. Odo: 23,634 miles. 327-ci 350-hp V8,
4-bbl, 4-sp. Equipped with a/c, power brakes,
and AM/FM radio. Sidepipes, reproduction
knockoffs, and big-block hood added. Decent
repaint, some waviness to body. Replacement
right front quarter panel, lightly shaved wheelwells
on all four corners. Standard black vinyl
upholstery changed to leather with headrests
spite heavier prep work. Excellent door gaps,
heavy positive camber at rear suspension. Well
detailed authentic engine bay, expertly installed
reproduction soft trim. Cond: 2-. NOT SOLD
AT $62,500. Last seen at Mecum's Kissimmee
venue in January of '08, where it sold at
$69,825 (CM# 49060). Generally a good quality
redo, but with a few key non-authentic bits,
and no proof was presented to make the claims
airtight. High bid should have been enough.
Mecum Auctions, Kansas City, MO, 3/09.
#603-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194376S114611. Blue/black vinyl.
Odo: 52,395 miles. 427-ci 390-hp V8, 4-bbl,
4-sp. Engine rebuild in 2007, flawless paint
in 2008 over a claimed unhit body. Original
interior removed and reinstalled after repaint,
driver's seat split open. Very nice engine bay
with incorrect battery and lots of original
www.vettemarket.com SPRING 2009 Corvette Market 67
Page 66
Market
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Corvettes across the block
easily brought 50% again as much, but the
seller must have a better use for the money.
I'd bet the buyer is still grinning. McCormick
Auctions, Palm Springs, CA, 2/09.
#202-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
parts. Scratched rocker panels likely original,
beautiful undercarriage. All books, papers, and
receipts. Cond: 3+. NOT SOLD AT $65,000.
The famous 427 cubic inch monsters were first
available in 1966. This Corvette was one of the
nicest present this spring in Branson, but the
seller was still expecting 2006 money. A new
interior would bring this to the next level, as all
the hard stuff was already done. Cox Auctions,
Branson, MO, 4/09.
#F219-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Custom convertible. S/N 194676S103084.
Two-tone blue metallic/white vinyl/blue vinyl.
Odo: 50,981 miles. 427-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp.
Unusual 1980s custom job in the spirit of the
GM concept cars. Pop-up headlights and front
bumper deleted, quad rectangular lamps fitted
to front grille. Bodywork exhibits waviness in
places. Interior more stock and without major
wear. Rear bumper remains and is presentable,
along with limited remaining brightwork. Big-
all the numbers check out, the bid here was well
under the money. If they don't, then bid was
about right. The owner was nowhere in sight,
and since nothing was presented documenting
the car, I have to go with the latter. McCormick
Auctions, Palm Springs, CA, 2/09.
#114-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194677S120267. Rally Red/
black vinyl/black leather. Odo: 1,804 miles.
327-ci 300-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Engine not born
with car, 977 paint code tells us it was Lynndale
Blue prior to respray. Swirls and touch-ups to
paint, excellent panel fit and brightwork. Good
top fit, very nice interior, engine clean and tidy.
coupe. S/N 194377S105190. Lynndale Blue/
teal blue vinyl. Odo: 70,282 miles. 327-ci
300-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Documented with tank
sticker, optioned with a/c. Quality restoration to
better than original specs, Bloomington judges
would be marking “not typical” on their sheets.
Excellent respray to a high standard, new interior,
superb brightwork. Far better than when
it left the factory. Cond: 1-. NOT SOLD AT
$62,000. Air can add as much as $5,000 to the
value here, so I'd have to agree that the final
bid was light by as much as $10k. Over-restored
Corvettes do not appeal to all, so you're taking
a chance when you go too far. McCormick
Auctions, Palm Springs, CA, 2/09.
Cond: 2. NOT SOLD AT $44,500. Even with
the alterations, the price bid was light for a
Corvette in this condition. In this market, altered
cars are taking a sizable hit over those
that are not molested. If the car were mine, I
would have wanted more, but I'm not sure
where I'd go to get it. McCormick Auctions,
Palm Springs, CA, 2/09.
block Chevrolet mill of unknown origin exhibits
good detailing but has at least one bad mount,
as fan has gone through the radiator shroud at
least once. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $30,975. A bigblock
and a 4-speed along with some unique
looks seems like fun, but single-circuit brakes
give me pause. While the new owner will need
a fresh two-tone Members Only windbreaker,
Porsche Design sunglasses, and perhaps even
a Benetton hat, this still represents a good bit of
fun for the money as a driver. Carlisle Events,
Carlisle, PA, 4/09.
#131-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194377S103645. Tuxedo Black
& red/black vinyl. Odo: 15,214 miles. 427-ci
435-hp V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. Born with Marina
Blue livery. Very nice Tuxedo Black paint with
a few swirls over decent panel fit, stinger paint
not typical of factory production. New interior,
brightwork finished to high standard. Fitted
with off-road exhaust and power windows.
Cond: 2+. NOT SOLD AT $70,000. Assuming
68 Corvette Market SPRING 2009 www.vettemarket.com
Best Buy #167-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194677S102012. Silver
Pearl/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 93,332
miles. 327-ci 350-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Same
owner last 18 years. Numbers matching with
casting and stampings listed for verification,
receipts for mechanical work total $25,000.
Attractive paint, factory-spec panel fit, good
brightwork. Well-fitted interior, door handles
pitted, wiper marks on windshield. An attractive
presentation. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $46,988.
The price paid for this L79 convertible was
well under the money, especially considering
the no-questions documentation. Could have
#S149.1-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194677S118550. Eng. #
S110196F0309HT. Rally Red/white vinyl/
white vinyl. Odo: 37,261 miles. 327-ci 350-hp
V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Non-original 1965 block is
period correct for L79. Fitted with sidepipes,
headrests, AM/FM radio, Rally wheels, and
modern Redline radials. Softer body contours
from prep sanding, cleaned-up wheelwells
lightly shaved. Mediocre door and panel fit,
newer chrome and stainless trim,
sidepipe
shields road worn. Original windshield seal
cracked. Sits low, with excessive negative camber.
Newer top and interior, authentic engine
bay. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $55,000. Originally
crossed the block as lot F36, a no-sale at $58k,
rumbling off the block with the auctioneer
stating it was going to take more than that. On
Saturday, things changed a bit, when the last
bidder raised his own bid from $50k to buy the
car at a more realistic price. Mecum Auctions,
Kansas City, MO, 3/09.
#369-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194677S110403. Sunfire
Yellow & black/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo:
38,242 miles. 327-ci 300-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp.
Stated to be a three-owner car with NCRS
Page 67
Second Flight award in 2008. Good panel fit,
paint shows minor swirls throughout. Good
brightwork, glass not chipped or scratched.
Big-block hood and sidepipes fitted, correct
flat hood comes with car. Cond: 2. SOLD
AT $58,300. Strong money for a base-level
Corvette with a fakey-doo hood. And as soon as
you start the engine, nobody standing around
it will be fooled. Well sold. Worldwide Group,
Escondido, CA, 4/09.
#564-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194677S120336. Red &
white/white leather. Odo: 35,162 miles. 427-ci
435-hp V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. Displayed with floor
mirrors that show someone didn't attach the
driver's side sway bar link correctly, as bushings
and washers are out of order. Professional
repaint chipped from door fit issues and burned
through on the headlight bucket edges. New
leather, new carpet, good gauges. Very nice
and correct engine bay appears fresh and
the block, but Worldwide's early auction results
showed it as a no-sale. Later on, it was back in
the sold column, so a little behind-the-scenes
activity might have taken place to get the deal
done. Well bought, considering interesting history.
See the profile, p. 32. Worldwide Group,
Seabrook, TX, 5/09.
C3
#S39-1968 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194678S408672. Blue metallic/white
vinyl & blue hard top/blue vinyl. Odo:
69,305 miles. 454-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Claimed to
have left St. Louis with a 390-hp 427, now fitted
with an early 1970s 454. Newer trim-off repaint,
most of the trim now reproduction, along with
replated bumpers. Front and rear crossed flags
not reinstalled, mounting holes filled in. Lots of
wearing a set of stock wheels, if for no other
reason than they would have covered those red
calipers. Getting past the wheels, this seemed
to be a well sorted out car. Bought well. Mecum
Auctions, Kansas City, MO, 3/09.
#S44-1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194379S728428. Cortez Silver &
black/black vinyl. Odo: 91,355 miles. 350-ci
300-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Non-original engine.
Scruffy older repaint with some paint flaking
off hood drip ledge, non-stock black hood
stripes added. Poor driver's door fit, dull original
chrome and trim, some bodywork blistering
between headlights and hood. Most everything
under the hood is non-stock and ratty. Period
shows little signs of use. Serious eye appeal
from every angle, but with a few small needs.
Cond: 2. NOT SOLD AT $85,000. The mirrors
were a nice touch but only showed the
cautious buyer that this one was put together
for show. Seeing the sway bar bushings out of
order makes me wonder what else was rushed
at the last minute. What can be expected from
a restorer who makes a mistake that will affect
roadability and resale? Corvette buyers know
what they're looking for at this level, and this
wasn't it. Cox Auctions, Branson, MO, 4/09.
#35-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
racer. S/N 032 518. Blue/black. 366-ci 675-hp
V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. From John Mecom's racing
stable. Owned by Delmo Johnson, who raced
Grand Sport s/n 003. Crashed in 1982 and
rebuilt to 1974 IMSA specs, less than hour on
engine since completion. Accepted by major
vintage racing clubs. Body in as-raced condition.
Sold on Bill of Sale. Cond: 3. SOLD AT
$44,000. This was hammered sold as it crossed
aftermarket components on and around motor,
rear suspension sits very high. New seat kits and
door panels, redyed console and dashpad, faded
original seat belts, replacement carpet doesn't
fit well and has heavier wear. Cond: 3-. SOLD
AT $18,550. There seemed to be a lot of interest
in this collection of parts. For that reason
alone, the seller was the smartest dude in the
building for turning this ratty rat motor loose at
the price paid. Mecum Auctions, Kansas City,
MO, 3/09.
#S104-1968 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194678S401033. Black/
white vinyl/red vinyl. Odo: 11 miles. 427-ci
390-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Equipped with ps, pb,
pw, and AM/FM radio. Fitted with 17-inch
chrome TorqThrust wheels and performance
radials, red painted brake calipers. Recent
cosmetic redo with good body prep and panel
fit, paint already has quite a few polishing
scratches. Replated bumpers and all new trim.
Authentically detailed engine bay, all new
seating, carpeting, door panels, dash vinyl,
and seat belts. Refinished wood-tone steering
wheel and repainted steering column. Cond:
2-. SOLD AT $31,800. I'm willing to bet this
car would've done better than this had it been
tuck-and-roll upholstery job is oh so 1970s.
Aftermarket AM/FM/cassette deck displaces
the stock radio. Consignor claimed the car
might have originally been fitted with sidepipes.
Cond: 4. SOLD AT $10,600. The paint
came off more as a modern-day platinum or
silver blue than 1969 Cortez Silver, especially
since I had lot S115 to compare it to. There
wasn't much to brag about here, so the seller
was wise to drop the reserve after the final bid
was tendered. Mecum Auctions, Kansas City,
MO, 3/09.
#S115-1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194679S721697. Cortez
Silver/black vinyl & silver hard top/black embossed
vinyl. Odo: 2,318 miles. 350-ci 300-hp
V8, 4-bbl, auto. Factory installed a/c, pb, ps,
pw, and both tops. Protect-O-Plate, tank sticker.
Full restoration. Well-prepped
bodywork
with sharp character lines and better-thanoriginal
door and panel fit. Excellent repaint,
show-quality bumper rechroming, top-quality
replacement trim. Engine compartment nearly
concours, newer replacement upholstery, older
replacement carpet somewhat soiled and worn.
Cond: 2. NOT SOLD AT $45,000. This was
www.vettemarket.com SPRING 2009 Corvette Market 69
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history on the windshield and a reasonably highquality
presentation, the only thing holding this
back was the Chiquita Banana color scheme.
As a nice car with a more than able powerplant
and very little left to bring it up quite a bit, I'd
say this was slightly well bought at this price.
Carlisle Events, Carlisle, PA, 4/09.
one of the better restorations at this sale—not
just of Corvettes, but of all vehicles in general.
However, it probably had an unrealistic
reserve, as it was on the auction block very
briefly before returning to the seller's hands.
Mecum Auctions, Kansas City, MO, 3/09.
#S170-1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194379S736942. White/saddle
vinyl. Odo: 55,678 miles. 350-ci 350-hp V8, 4bbl,
4-sp. Factory options include ps and AM/
FM stereo, confirmed by a copy of the original
tank sticker. Awarded an NCRS Top Flight in
2007. Authentic-looking lacquer repaint, betterthan-original
door and panel fit, although hood
#628-1971 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194371S115117. Blue/blue vinyl.
Odo: 69,318 miles. 454-ci 365-hp V8, 4-bbl,
auto. Glossy paint on top with sander marks
everywhere, dry paint below the body line.
Original appearing interior presents well but is
dirty in all the hard to reach places. Displayed
with the hood up to show off sanding sludge
all over vacuum hoses and headlight canisters.
they were the last Corvettes with front and rear
chrome bumpers. This car was solid overall,
but as a base-engine example, this money was
in the ballpark. RM Auctions, Ft. Lauderdale,
FL, 2/09.
#S53-1975 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 1Z67J5S409252. White/
whtie vinyl/tan vinyl. Odo: 56,743 miles.
350-ci 165-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Body code tag
missing. Options include a/c, tilt/telescopic
column, ps, pw, and AM/FM radio. Acceptable
door and panel gaps, hood alignment off.
Fresh repaint with a glossy sheen, some light
overspray on original door weatherstripping.
Lightly
detailed and somewhat cleaned-up
does sit slightly low. Authentically detailed and
clean engine bay, to include all smog equipment.
Cleaned-up mostly original interior,
seats show a few seam separations at pleats.
Cond: 3+. NOT SOLD AT $27,000. It may not
have been the prettiest Corvette, but at least it
was authentic. Some would argue that pretty
cars sell, and for this one it would be hard to
disagree with that logic. Mecum Auctions,
Kansas City, MO, 3/09.
#F199-1969 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194679S718632. Yellow/black
vinyl/black leather. Odo: 4,722 miles. 350-ci
350-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. High-quality older restoration
appears to have been recently freshened
but still needs some additional detailing. Chrome
bumpers presentable, brightwork scratched and
lightly pitted in places. Black leather seats could
have been done with fewer wrinkles, dash and
console tidy. Engine compartment leaves little to
fault, including complete correct smog system.
Cond: 2. SOLD AT $35,700. With plenty of
An honestly nice car seriously lacking in the
detail department. Cond: 3-. NOT SOLD AT
$22,500. 1971 was the first year for lower
compression ratios and a drop in horsepower,
and was also the last year for the fiber optic
lamp monitoring system. I can understand only
wetsanding above the body line on some cars,
but this one was so dry down low it looked
like it had been done with a spray can. More
detail work might bring another $5k, so hope
the seller is stocked up on elbow grease.Cox
Auctions, Branson, MO, 4/09.
#SP93-1972 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 1Z67K2S509484. Steel Cities
Gray/black vinyl/white vinyl. 350-ci 200-hp V8,
4-bbl, 4-sp. Recent high quality exterior respray
showing well, chrome and trim unmarked. Right
side interior door panel falling off, remainder
of interior fitted well and showing little wear.
A nice driver and a good entry-level 'Vette.
Cond: 3. NOT SOLD AT $29,000. Last seen
at Corvettes at Carlisle in August '08, where
it failed to sell at $27,000 (CM# 117999). The
'72s are considered to be the end of an era, as
engine bay. Aftermarket console T-pad, replacement
seats, dashpad, and door panels a
hue off from each other. Aftermarket carpeted
floor mats, newer replacement carpet and top.
Cond: 3. NOT SOLD AT $16,000. Last seen
at the Corvettes at Carlisle auction in August
'08, where it sold at $16,800 (CM# 117984).
Not too bad of a spiff-up job since then on a
final year C3 rag top, but as an L48/automatic,
this bid should have really sold the car. Mecum
Auctions, Kansas City, MO, 3/09.
#F234-1975 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1Z37J5S402398. Bright green
metallic/white vinyl. Odo: 74,283 miles.
350-ci 165-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Brilliant
respray to a high standard, jambs show tape
marks and original paint color. Brightwork all
likely original and in driver condition, rubber
weatherstripping original and rather rough.
Interior nice and fitted with tilt column, typical
wear to shift console. Engine compartment
tatty. Cond: 3+. NOT SOLD AT $8,100.
Chevrolet ought to have used the Cadillac
name for this color, Persian Lime Firemist,
since someone with an emphasis on style
rather than performance had to be the buyer
of a 165-hp Corvette. Bright green metallic
didn't get the deal done here at Carlisle, which
was surprising since it would have made a very
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unusual and very visible addition to someone's
Corvette collection. Carlisle Events, Carlisle,
PA, 4/09.
#450-1978 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1Z87L8S432774. Silver/black
vinyl. Odo: 74,310 miles. 350-ci 185-hp V8,
4-bbl, auto. Flowmaster mufflers, 2¼-inch
exhaust, MSD high energy ignition wires.
Resprayed silver paint with minor flaws and
orange peel, clean underhood with chrome
Corvette valve covers and basic detailing.
Fresh black interior, carpets wrinkled and lifting
around console. Clean, solid, undetailed
is most appropriate on several levels. Market
priced. Mecum Auctions, Kansas City, MO,
3/09.
#F228-1979 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1Z8789S433687. Gray metallic/
red vinyl. Odo: 44,935 miles. 350-ci 195-hp
V8, 4-bbl, auto. Uniform quality gray metallic
repaint extends to aftermarket ducktail-style
rear spoiler. Glass tops not delaminated and
contrast nicely with finish color. Factory mags
unmarked but shod with mismatched radials.
#280-1980 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1Z876AS424891. Red/black
leather. Odo: 71,494 miles. 350-ci 230-hp
V8, 4-bbl, auto. Fitted with glass T-Tops and
factory a/c. A three-owner car from new. Nice
repaint could use a little more wetsanding,
interior needs to be scrubbed and seats should
underside. A nice driver. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT
$8,465. Noted as a 25th Anniversary 'Vette,
but not a 25th Anniversary version. Stated in
catalog to have a 4-speed auto with 2,000RPM
stall converter, shift kit, and 3.73:1 gearing,
but inside, it sure looked like a 3-speed
automatic. Other changes were not the kind a
purist would admire, but it was more for those
just looking for a reliable driver. Bid price was
in market value range. RM Auctions, Toronto,
CAN, 4/09.
#S150-1979 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1Z8749S408847. Black/oyster
leather . Odo: 48,618 miles. 350-ci 220-hp V8,
4-bbl, 4-sp. Optional L82 with 4-speed, a/c,
power window and lock package, rear window
defroster, sport mirrors, and tilt/telescopic
column. Fitted with aftermarket roll-up rear
parcel compartment cover. Average quality
repaint with some heavier polishing swirls.
Freshly redyed seats, door panels, arm rests,
Interior tidy with light fading to plastics, seats
appear to have been redone. Engine compartment
lightly restored and clean with the exception
of hurried black paint to the firewall
area. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $10,290. A note
on the windshield from the seller read, “This
is believed to be a 350/195hp original,” and
it doesn't get much worse than that for 1979.
This was an attractive car at a decent enough
price, so all parties should be happy with the
result. Carlisle Events, Carlisle, PA, 4/09.
#F173-1979 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1Z8789S410191. Red/red vinyl &
leather. Odo: 57,082 miles. 350-ci 195-hp V8,
4-bbl, auto. Nice older red repaint on undamaged
original bodywork attests to claimed single
owner history. Limited brightwork still shines.
Interior and weatherstripping a bit scruffy,
early 1980s Pioneer stereo further dates the
be recovered. Driver quality engine bay looks
to have been untouched for years, with lots of
surface rust and old worn-out belts. Cond: 3.
SOLD AT $10,260. Shiny paint disguising an
old dog. Obviously the seller knew this wasn't
anything special and took a no-reserve gamble.
This one probably needs mechanical attention,
but parts are cheap and the paint was already
done. Cox Auctions, Branson, MO, 4/09.
#S181-1981 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1AY8769BS408874. White/
tinted panels/butterscotch leather. Odo: 61,885
miles. 350-ci 190-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Copies
of the original window sticker confirm pdl,
driver's side power seat, tinted roof panels, rear
window defroster, cruise control, electronic
AM/FM/cassette stereo, power antenna, and
alloy wheels. All original paint with some light
hazing to upper surfaces and chipping on panel
console, plastic roof panels, steering wheel
rim,
dashpad, and dashboard. Aftermarket
floor mats cover heaviest wear on carpeting.
Cond: 3. SOLD AT $10,100. This was plenty
to pay for a highly reconditioned '79, until you
consider that it was the top dog for performance
for this year. Then again, considering
that a Dodge pickup had higher performance
numbers in 1979 than a Corvette, “top dog”
72 Corvette Market SPRING 2009 www.vettemarket.com
last improvements. Some engine compartment
reconditioning evident, with some paintwork,
a sticker kit, and air cleaner from an earlier
model. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $8,925. It was a
surprise when the reserve came off and this
example sold well under five figures. While
nothing special, it was a well-preserved lowmileage
example that would benefit from a new
hobbyist taking over the detailing. Well bought
and sold. Carlisle Events, Carlisle, PA, 4/09.
edges. Typical uneven door to front clip gaps,
dull finish to wheels. Original interior components,
but fading and wear to steering wheel and
center cap is far less than the rest of the interior.
Cond: 4+. SOLD AT $9,250. Exactly the same
description as when the same dealer consigned
it here in December '08 as lot F87, where it was
reported as sold at $9,500 (CM# 119027). OK,
there is another mile on the clock, but it is quite
a ways from the loading lot to the center hall,
multiplied by four (twice in December, twice
here). As was the case last time, a fair deal for
all parties involved. Mecum Auctions, Kansas
City, MO, 3/09.
#335-1982 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1AY8784C5116728. Red/red
leather. Odo: 88,057 miles. 350-ci 200-hp
fuel-injected V8, auto. Claimed original paint
has been buffed to almost nothing, with lots
of burned edges and a few light stress cracks.
Good original interior shows light wear and
is let down by stretched leather on steering
Page 71
wheel. Engine bay mostly original and shows
dirt and wear that support claimed mileage.
An old original that could really use a repaint.
Cond: 3-. SOLD AT $10,530. A good color
combination, but nothing special, really. Just
an honest old Corvette that was probably in the
same hands for a long time. Does the original
paint really help? Good deal for the seller, as
this Corvette will need a lot spent soon. Cox
Auctions, Branson, MO, 4/09.
C4
#413-1984 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1AY0780E5119503. Blue/black
leather. Odo: 15,378 miles. 350-ci 205-hp
fuel-injected V8, auto. Excellent original paint
other than faded rubber nose and tail. Interior
like new except for some cracking on driver's
seat. Little wear on carpets. Clean original
NOT SOLD AT $5,700. The consignor was
rather busy detailing this car while it was in
line to cross the auction block. Why do it ahead
of time when you can rush through it with potential
buyers watching? Indicative of weaker
condition C4s as of late, bidding started at a
grand, and barely squeaked up to being $800
short of the wishful reserve. Mecum Auctions,
Kansas City, MO, 3/09.
#S47-1987 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
for it on the whole, and the bid should have
been reconsidered. Carlisle Events, Carlisle,
PA, 4/09.
#457-1985 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Custom coupe. S/N 1G1YY0782F5118501.
Red/gray cloth. Odo: 204,831 km. 350-ci 230hp
fuel-injected V8, auto. Fitted with pw, pb,
and ps. Resprayed original red, many sanding
marks and prep issues noted. Original cloth interior
shows wear, especially at console. Cheap
aftermarket steering wheel cover does not help
coupe. S/N 1G1YY2182H5119767. Firethorn
Red/tinted panel/saddle leather. Odo: 88,723
miles. 350-ci 240-hp fuel-injected V8, auto.
Factory options include tinted roof panel,
Bilstein suspension, electronic climate control,
and power driver's seat. Fitted with aftermarket
mudflaps, cat-back exhaust, rosewood shift
knob, console pad, and sill protectors. Average
quality respray with a couple of masking shortcuts
on window seals. Claimed to be replacement
seat leather with heavier wear and soiling,
seat belts faded, carpets recently
detailing underhood and on black underside.
Aftermarket chrome wheels look out of place.
Cond: 3+. NOT SOLD AT $11,340. A lowmileage
example. “This car is original right
down to the spark plugs!” Hmm... not necessarily
a good thing on a 25-year-old Corvette.
Price bid was market correct. RM Auctions,
Toronto, CAN, 4/09.
#F129-1984 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1AY0785E5118797. Black/tan
leather. Odo: 112,016 miles. 350-ci 205-hp
fuel-injected V8, auto. Older black respray to
a driver level, with touch-ups and tape marks
noted throughout. Rubber weatherstripping
shredding in places. Tan interior all original,
smells heavily of air freshener, and shows normal
wear commensurate with mileage. Factory
wheels show wear but no major damage. Engine
bay undetailed but exhibits signs of maintenance.
Cond: 3-. NOT SOLD AT $3,700.
Apparently owned by a pilot since 1985, this
'Vette had current NY tags, inspection, and a
sticker allowing it access to Rochester airport.
Really no more than an average driver condition
car, this first-year 'Vette had little going
already damaged image. Fairly clean, but not
detailed underhood. Huge Ferrari F40-style
wing, large add-on hood bulge and ground effects
kit. High mileage. Cond: 3-. SOLD AT
$5,792. Bright red paint combined with rather
overdone add-ons made this Corvette a bit of
an acquired taste. Not many people were interested,
and the high bid was a reflection of that.
RM Auctions, Toronto, CAN, 4/09.
#F60-1986 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1YY0783G5108979. Firethorn
Red/tinted panel/gray leather. Odo: 73,979
miles. 350-ci 230-ho fuel-injected V8, auto.
Options include Bilstein suspension, electronic
climate control, and roll-up rear window shade.
Tires heavily yellowed on dingy alloy wheels.
OK original paint, but clear coat has light flaking
on rear valance and chipping on nose from
gravel abrasions. Windshield with heavier
wiper arm scratching. Electric fans wired to
always be on when ignition is on. Economy
replacement exhaust system. Cond: 4+.
Non-descript engine bay. Cond: 3. NOT SOLD
AT $7,000. Another case of a seller calling a
repaint and some new carpet a restoration.
That barely qualifies for reconditioning. Not
much call here for a tarted-up used car, and
this money wasn't far from the mark. Mecum
Auctions, Kansas City, MO, 3/09.
#403-1987 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 1G1YY33182H5126627.
Red & gold/tan cloth/tan leather. Odo: 103,912
miles. 350-ci 240-hp fuel-injected V8, auto.
Resprayed in original red, some chips and dirt
in paint. Dent in A-frame trim, rubber deteriorating
around doors and windows. Tan leather
interior and woodgrain dash and console still
replaced.
nice, but plastic black door caps loose and
warping. Original detailing underhood showing
age. Recent new brakes, but needs exhaust
system. Clean original underside. Cond: 3-.
SOLD AT $5,613. Whereas C4 coupes are not
getting many fans too excited, convertibles do
have a stronger, more enthusiastic following.
Price bid was indicative of value and desirabil-
www.vettemarket.com SPRING 2009 Corvette Market 73
Page 72
Market
Report
Global Roundup
Corvettes across the block
ity, but bought well nonetheless. RM Auctions,
Toronto, CAN, 4/09.
#S2-1988 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 1G1YY3189J5114397. Red/
black cloth/red vinyl. Odo: 86,448 miles. 350ci
245-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. Fitted with
aftermarket rear wing, exhaust outlets, partial
wood dashboard kit, steering wheel rim cover,
and later model chrome alloy wheels. Average
older repaint with lots of scratches on top landing
panel, heavier wear on weatherstripping
#F24-1990 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
ZR-1 coupe. S/N 1G1YZ23J2L5802560.
Red/tinted plexiglass/black leather. Odo:
38,244 miles. 350-ci 375-hp fuel-injected V8,
6-sp. Fitted with tinted roof panel and power
leather sport seats. 1991-1993 alloys with fresh
Sumitomo radials. Good original paint shows a
few nicks and road abrasions. Used car undercarriage,
heavily sooted exhaust outlets. Dealer-
cloth/Ruby Red leather. Odo: 76,579 miles.
350-ci fuel-injected V8, auto. Fitted with
ProCharger supercharger system with a sheet
aluminum intake that looks like a high school
shop class project. Period ZR-1 wheels protrude
about an inch outside the bodywork. Fresh,
low-budget repaint is a looker at ten feet and a
stinker at two feet. Gold toned emblems front
and door handles. New vinyl seat kit and console
upholstery stick out inside faded and moderately
worn original interior. Lightly worn
replacement top. Basic engine compartment
clean-up, none under the car. Cond: 4+. SOLD
AT $7,750. The consignor wisely cut the reserve
loose at the end of the bidding, knowing
full well that regardless of what was thrown at
it to gussy it up, this was all of the money in the
world for a moderately fancy used car. Mecum
Auctions, Kansas City, MO, 3/09.
#521-1988 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1YY2187J5100881. Maroon/
black cloth. Odo: 85,392 miles. 350-ci 245-hp
fuel-injected V8, auto. Paint shows rock chips
all over the nose, compound in the cracks,
and is buffed to almost nothing. Interior OK
but shows lots of bolster wear and aftermarket
speaker grilles in the doors. Driver quality engine
bay with aftermarket remote battery cut-
grade engine cosmetics, new Interstate battery.
Upholstery wear commensurate with mileage.
Dashboard lights extremely dim with car running.
Cond: 3. SOLD AT $20,670. Went past
the reserve at $19,250 by one additional bid. A
decent deal for all involved, as C4 sellers can't
be too choosy if they really want to move their
car. Buyer got a respectable deal on a low-mile
driver ZR-1. Mecum Auctions, Kansas City,
MO, 3/09.
#S120-1993 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
40th Anniversary convertible.
S/N
1G1YY33P5115608. Ruby Red/Ruby Red
cloth/Ruby Red leather. Odo: 113,806 miles.
350-ci 300-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. Options
include power sport seats and Delco/Bose
CD sound system. Good original paint with
minimal scuffing, chips, and polishing swirls.
Heavier scuffing on top flipper lid where top
seal contacts it, significant wear on bottom
and rear. Good fitting new top, less interior
wear than expected for the miles. Aftermarket
door sill carpet protectors and DIN-mount stereo
system fitted. Cond: 3-. SOLD AT $15,900.
This one seemed to defy all of the rules, as aftermarket
blower kits usually don't make folks
bid with reckless abandon. The seller certainly
didn't mind, as he was more than happy to drop
his reserve when the bidding stopped. Out of
all three 40th Anniversary converts at this sale,
this would've been the last one I'd have bid on,
as I'd have given that bolt-on blower a wide
berth. Whatever. Mecum Auctions, Kansas
City, MO, 3/09.
#F142-1993 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1YY23P6P512076. Red/blue
glass/light gray leather. Odo: 49,082 miles.
350-ci 300-hp fuel-injected V8, auto. Brilliant
red paint with possible slight retouching. Some
light rubber deterioration at window sweeps,
as well as door and roof seals. Chrome factory
mags a little much, but done well. Driver's seat
bolster torn and worn, console lid cracked but
the rest of the interior surprisingly like new.
off switch and some dry-rotted hoses and belts.
A used car. No reserve. Cond: 4+. SOLD AT
$9,180. This Corvette wasn't really too appealing
considering the price, as it had lots of hard
miles and a color scheme that hasn't weathered
the test of time. The buyer did manage to get
into a Corvette under $10k, but he'll spend a
bit more before this one is ready for a lot of
use. The seller took a gamble and hit a home
run. Cox Auctions, Branson, MO, 4/09.
74 Corvette Market SPRING 2009 www.vettemarket.com
of front spoiler. Cleaned up and regularly
maintained engine bay, but not in show condition.
Seating surfaces rather dried out and
discolored, seat backs have moderate fading.
Cond: 3-. SOLD AT $9,750. The Ruby Red
40th Anniversary edition was the only way you
could get a fully monochromatic Corvette in
1993 other than in black or white. This selling
price was in market-correct range for the condition
and miles, but the deal might have been
a touch better for the seller. Mecum Auctions,
Kansas City, MO, 3/09.
#S156-1993 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
40th Anniversary convertible.
S/N
1G1YY33P5103806. Ruby Red/Ruby Red
Engine
compartment
exhibits
maintenance
but no intense detailing. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT
$11,550. There were two bright red LT1-powered
C4s here, one on either side of a parking
lot island, and this one attracted the most
attention. The enthusiastic seller sat with the
car throughout the preview and drew quite a
crowd. The driver's seat and cracked console
lid were not enough to keep the bidders at bay,
as the gleaming red paint looked really good on
the block. Well sold. Carlisle Events, Carlisle,
PA, 4/09.
Page 73
#F32-1995 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 1G1YY32P0S5102680.
Bright Aqua Metallic /black cloth/black leather.
Odo: 97,168 miles. 350-ci 300-hp fuel-injected
V8, auto. Fitted with electronic climate control,
Bilstein suspension, and Delco/Bose CD
stereo. Good quality repaint at least as good as
original finish, replacement PPG windshield,
front tires past wear bars. Dealer grade engine
compartment with new battery, Magnaflow exhaust
from cats to exhaust tips. Lighter interior
wear than mileage would lead one to expect.
Fitted with door sill protectors in smoke-tinted
Plexiglas. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $12,720. Bright
Aqua metallic C4s seem to have been a regular
feature at most auctions I've been to lately. Just
when I think I have a frequent flyer, a crosscheck
of the VIN shows it to be a fresh car. The
reserve was released at the end of bidding for
this market-correct price. Mecum Auctions,
Kansas City, MO, 3/09.
#F46-1996 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Collector
Edition coupe. S/N
1G1YY2257T5106185. Silver/tinted panel/red
leather. Odo: 31,308 miles. 350-ci 330-hp
fuel-injected V8, 6-sp. Fitted with LT4 motor,
tinted roof panel, electronic climate control,
power seats, and Delco/Bose cassette stereo.
Very good original paint, apart from a small
nick in leading edge of left front wheelwell
along molding strip. Moderate oxidation of
in front left corner of hood. Door jambs and
body panel gaps holding a lot of gravel road
dust despite being washed recently. Very dirty
undercarriage, permanently dingy tires, lots of
nicks in chrome alloy wheels. Current Texas
inspection stickers on the windshield. Heavier
wear and wrinkling of Sport Seat leather
and carpeting. Cond: 4. SOLD AT $6,500.
Hammered sold on the block at $8k, but was
listed after the event as having sold at $6,500
after the juice. Either way, it's just a used car
that was used like a Silverado—it might even
still have fence wire and a pair of farmer pliers
in the back, and possibly even a fifth-wheel
hitch for a gooseneck trailer. Just pop open the
glass hatch, hook up the trailer, and yer good
to go. Well sold. Mecum Auctions, Kansas
City, MO, 3/09.
C5
#S188-2003 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
50th Anniversary Edition coupe. S/N
1G1YY22G535107367. Anniversary Red/
shale leather. Odo: 8,807 miles. 5.7-liter 350hp
fuel-injected LS1 V8, auto. Equipped with
optional performance rear axle, memory package,
body side moldings, dual roof package,
12-disc CD changer with in-dash cassette deck,
and Magnetic Selective Ride Control. GMspec
paint panel fit quality with no evidence
TOP 10
#10
#S73-2008
CHEVROLET
CORVETTE Z06 427 Edition coupe.
S/N 1G1YY26E585126839. Crystal
Red Metallic & black/black & gray leather.
Odo: 11 miles. 7.0-liter 505-hp fuel-injected
LS7 V8, 6-sp. Mid-year 427 package fitted with
the only option available—in-dash navigation.
Sold on the MSO with eleven miles. Dealer
prepped, with front license plate frame still
unmounted and sitting in the back of the car.
Inside of console lid signed by recently retired
factory history prior, now wearing Carlisle
graphics. Body excellent, with no evidence of
any damage, Bondurant name still visible in
paint. Some wheel rash from hard use apparent.
Interior very tidy and still race ready. Engine
bay very tidy. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $16,275.
With new red Corvettes for the Miller's racing
efforts already on the track, the old cars had
to go. This one was auctioned off to benefit
the Chip Miller Foundation. When the reserve
came off at $15,000, I reached for my bidder
pass and then realized I had been working so
hard I forgot to register. Such is life. Carlisle
Events, Carlisle, PA, 4/09.
C6
aluminum components in engine bay, but plastic
components have been cleaned up. Light
interior wear indicative of displayed mileage.
Heavier surface rust on the rear brake rotors
outside of braking surfaces. Cond: 3+. NOT
SOLD AT $13,515. But I thought that this was
the same '96 Collector Edition coupe that sold
here last fall, it turns out it was a different car.
That makes three of these (two coupes and a
convertible) that have been here in the last two
sales, after I've never seen one cross the block
before. Mecum Auctions, Kansas City, MO,
3/09.
#S5-1996 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 1G1YY22P7T5108326. Black /tan
leather. Odo: 64,828 miles. 350-ci 300-hp fuelinjected
V8, auto. Fitted with aftermarket rear
wing and window tint. Rather scruffy older
repaint with three-inch diameter star crack
of damage. Aftermarket exhaust panel trim
plate with 50th Anniversary logo added. Likenew
undercarriage and engine bay, very nice
interior with only light wear on original floor
mats. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $27,030. While an
'03 C5 selling at $27k would normally be big
bucks in the used car world, the low miles on
this minty example made it well bought. Not a
smokin' hot bargain, just well bought. Mecum
Auctions, Kansas City, MO, 3/09.
#F202-2003 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Bondurant coupe. S/N 1G1YY22G635119740.
Yellow/black cloth. Odo: 31,904 miles. 5.7liter
350-hp fuel-injected LS1 V8, 6-sp. ExBob
Bondurant Phoenix school car with GM
Bowling Green plant manager Will Cooksey.
An as-shipped new car with no discernible
wear or damage. Cond: 1. SOLD AT $84,800.
The sticker price was $85,945 a year ago. With
my GM Supplier discount from the day job, this
final bid is a hair more than what I would pay
for one that would still be in a dealer inventory
if I bought this from my local Chevy peddler.
“If” being the key word, since all 427 of these
were hot property and actually sold well. I
wonder if the buyer could get 0% financing
from GM, since it was an unsold '08? Mecum
Auctions, Kansas City, MO, 3/09. ■
www.vettemarket.com SPRING 2009 Corvette Market 75
Page 74
By the
Numbers
Top 100 Corvette Sales, February to June 2009*
Rank Model
1 1955 Corvette Duntov EX-87 Test Mule
2 1953 Corvette Roadster
3 1963 Corvette 327/360 Z06 Coupe
4 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible
5 1959 Corvette LS3 Custom Convertible
6 1958 Corvette 350/400 Convertible Resto Mod
7 1962 Corvette 327/360 FI Convertible
8 1954 Corvette Roadster
9 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible
10 1958 Corvette 283/245 Convertible
11 1999 Corvette “First Built”
12 1954 Corvette Roadster
13 1963 Corvette FI Coupe
14 1966 Corvette 427/450 Convertible
15 1960 Corvette 283 Convertible
16 1967 Corvette Coupe
17 1966 Corvette 427/435 Coupe
18 2004 Corvette Classic Reflections Custom Convertible
19 1967 Corvette 427/400 Convertible
20 1967 Corvette 427/435 Convertible
21 1999 Corvette Lingenfelter 427 Twin Turbo Coupe
22 2007 Corvette Z06 Ron Fellows Special Edition
23 2008 Corvette Z06 Coupe
24 1960 Corvette 283/270 Convertible
25 1957 Corvette 283/283 FI Convertible
26 1957 Corvette FI Convertible
27 1966 Corvette 427/390 Coupe
28 1957 Corvette 283/250 FI Convertible
29 1966 Corvette 427/550 Coupe
30 1968 Corvette 427/435 Convertible
31 1966 Corvette 327/350 Coupe
32 1967 Corvette 427/390 Convertible
33 1964 Corvette Convertible
34 1966 Corvette 427/425 Convertible
35 1966 Corvette 427/425 Coupe
36 1967 Corvette 350 Coupe
37 1969 Corvette 427/435 Convertible
38 1990 Corvette ZR-1 “Active” Prototype
39 1965 Corvette Coupe
40 1963 Corvette 327/250 Coupe
41 1966 Corvette 327/350 Convertible
42 1958 Corvette 283/290 FI Convertible
43 1959 Corvette 283/245 Convertible
44 1968 Corvette 427/435 Convertible
45 1965 Corvette 396/425 Coupe
46 1954 Corvette Roadster
47 1969 Corvette 427/390 Convertible
48 1966 Corvette 327/350 Convertible
76 Corvette Market SPRING 2009 www.vettemarket.com
Sold Price Location
$328,600 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$198,000 RM, Amelia Island, FL
$192,500 RM, Amelia Island, FL
$172,250 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$148,500 Barrett-Jackson, Palm Beach, FL
$145,750 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$143,000 Barrett-Jackson, Palm Beach, FL
$138,600 Worldwide, Seabrook, TX
$130,680 Leake, Oklahoma City, OK
$129,800 RM, Amelia Island, FL
$110,000 Barrett-Jackson, Palm Beach, FL
$110,000 Barrett-Jackson, Palm Beach, FL
$110,000 RM, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
$103,350 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$99,000 Barrett-Jackson, Palm Beach, FL
$96,800 RM, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
$95,400 Tom Mack, Charlotte, NC
$90,200 Barrett-Jackson, Palm Beach, FL
$84,800 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$84,800 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$84,800 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$84,800 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$84,800 Mecum, Kansas City, MO
$84,700 Barrett-Jackson, Palm Beach, FL
$83,740 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$80,300 RM, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
$79,200 Barrett-Jackson, Palm Beach, FL
$78,440 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$77,380 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$77,000 Worldwide, Seabrook, TX
$75,900 Barrett-Jackson, Palm Beach, FL
$75,260 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$71,500 RM, Novi, MI
$67,840 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$66,780 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$66,250 Tom Mack, Charlotte, NC
$66,000 Barrett-Jackson, Palm Beach, FL
$66,000 Barrett-Jackson, Palm Beach, FL
$64,900 RM, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
$63,600 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$62,700 Barrett-Jackson, Palm Beach, FL
$62,540 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$62,100 Cox, Branson, MO
$61,668 Leake, Oklahoma City, OK
$61,000 Cox, Branson, MO
$60,500 RM, Amelia Island, FL
$59,400 Barrett-Jackson, Palm Beach, FL
$58,300 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
Date
5/17/09
3/14/09
3/14/09
5/17/09
4/11/09
5/17/09
4/11/09
5/2/09
2/21/09
3/14/09
4/11/09
4/11/09
Lot #
F208
278
287
F236
652.1
S33
674.1
14
2474
292
678.1
664
2/8/09 SP28
5/17/09
4/11/09
2/8/09
4/4/09
4/11/09
5/17/09
5/17/09
5/17/09
5/17/09
3/21/09
4/11/09
5/17/09
2/8/09
4/11/09
5/17/09
5/17/09
5/2/09
4/11/09
5/17/09
4/26/09
5/17/09
5/17/09
4/4/09
4/11/09
4/11/09
2/8/09
5/17/09
4/11/09
5/17/09
4/18/09
2/21/09
4/18/09
3/14/09
S79
637.1
SP31
220
654
F104
F45
F243
F197
S73
681.1
F43
SP86
646
F230
F114
80
656
S89
SP07
S71
T232
217
645
676.1
408
T267
686
F110
550
486
597
266
4/11/09 686.1
5/17/09 W75
*As recorded in the Corvette Market Digital Plus database (www.corvettemarket.com). Auction sales only.
Page 75
Rank Model
49 1967 Corvette Convertible
50 1967 Corvette
51 1967 Corvette 327/350 Convertible
52 1965 Corvette 396/425 Convertible
53 1954 Corvette Convertible
54 1959 Corvette Convertible
55 1961 Corvette 283/300 Convertible
56 1962 Corvette 327 Convertible
57 1961 Corvette 283/315 FI Convertible
58 1956 Corvette 265/225 Convertible
59 1958 Corvette 283/245 Convertible
60 1968 Corvette 427/435 Convertible
61 1967 Corvette 327/350 Coupe
62 2007 Corvette Z06 Coupe
63 1963 Corvette 327/340 Coupe
64 1967 Corvette 327/350 Convertible
65 1960 Corvette Convertible
66 1956 Corvette Convertible
67 1962 Corvette 327/250 Convertible
68 1964 Corvette 327/365 Convertible
69 1966 Corvette Big Tank Coupe
70 1962 Corvette Convertible
71 2006 Corvette Z06 Coupe “First Built”
72 1964 Corvette 327/365 Convertible
73 1958 Corvette 283/270 Convertible
74 1965 Corvette 327 Convertible
75 1962 Corvette 327/250 Convertible
76 1966 Corvette Coupe
77 1967 Corvette Convertible
78 1964 Corvette 350/350 Convertible
79 1968 Corvette 427/435
80 2005 Corvette Indy 500 Track Car
81 1967 Corvette Coupe
82 1965 Corvette 327/300 Coupe
83 1968 Corvette 427/390 Coupe
84 1964 Corvette 327/350 Convertible
85 1988 Corvette Twin-Turbo Coupe
86 1988 Corvette Challenge Car
87 1969 Corvette 427/390 Coupe
88 1965 Corvette Convertible
89 1964 Corvette Coupe
90 1988 Corvette 35th Anniversary Coupe
91 1963 Corvette 327/300 Convertible
92 1954 Corvette Roadster
93 1964 Corvette Coupe
94 1998 Corvette Convertible “1st C5 Convertible”
95 1994 Corvette Brickyard 400 Festival Convertible
96 1969 Corvette 427/435 Coupe
97 1964 Corvette 327/365 Coupe
98 1997 Corvette CERV IV-B
99 1978 Corvette Indy Pace Car Coupe
100 1966 Corvette 327/300 Coupe
Sold Price Location
$58,300 Worldwide, Escondido, CA
$57,750 McCormick, Palm Springs, CA
$57,200 Barrett-Jackson, Palm Beach, FL
$57,200 Barrett-Jackson, Palm Beach, FL
$57,200 RM, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
$57,200 RM, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
$56,700 Leake, San Antonio, TX
$56,180 Mecum, Kansas City, MO
$55,650 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$55,120 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$55,120 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$55,080 Leake, Oklahoma City, OK
$55,000 Barrett-Jackson, Palm Beach, FL
$55,000 Barrett-Jackson, Palm Beach, FL
$55,000 Worldwide, Escondido, CA
$55,000 Mecum, Kansas City, MO
$55,000 RM, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
$54,600 Carlisle, Carlisle, PA
$53,000 Cox, Branson, MO
$52,250 Worldwide, Escondido, CA
$52,250 RM, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
$50,985 Artcurial, Paris, FRA
$50,600 Barrett-Jackson, Palm Beach, FL
$50,350 G. Potter King, Atlantic City, NJ
$48,760 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$48,358 Bonhams, Hendon, UK
$48,230 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$47,300 RM, Novi, MI
$46,988 McCormick, Palm Springs, CA
$46,200 Barrett-Jackson, Palm Beach, FL
$46,110 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$46,110 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$45,100 RM, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
$43,460 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$43,460 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$43,450 Barrett-Jackson, Palm Beach, FL
$42,900 Barrett-Jackson, Palm Beach, FL
$42,400 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$42,350 Barrett-Jackson, Palm Beach, FL
$42,000 McCormick, Palm Springs, CA
$41,475 McCormick, Palm Springs, CA
$41,250 Barrett-Jackson, Palm Beach, FL
$40,810 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$40,810 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$40,425 McCormick, Palm Springs, CA
$40,280 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$39,750 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$38,690 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
$37,800 Cox, Branson, MO
$37,400 Barrett-Jackson, Palm Beach, FL
$37,400 Barrett-Jackson, Palm Beach, FL
$37,100 Mecum, Indianapolis, IN
Date
4/4/09
2/22/09
4/11/09
4/11/09
Lot #
369
184
398
344
2/8/09 NR47
2/8/09
3/21/09
3/21/09
5/17/09
5/17/09
5/17/09
SP69
2483
S167
F38
F235
T74
2/21/09 210
4/11/09
4/11/09
4/4/09
3/21/09
2/8/09
4/24/09
4/18/09
4/4/09
638
47
391
SP118
T38
569
397
2/8/09 NR27
4/27/09
4/11/09
2/26/09
28
679.2
6141
5/17/09 U165
4/20/09
5/17/09
4/26/09
2/22/09
4/11/09
5/17/09
5/17/09
2/8/09
5/17/09
5/17/09
365
T159
413
167
348.2
F181
F200
445
F125
U94
4/11/09 355.2
4/11/09
5/17/09
4/11/09
2/22/09
2/22/09
4/11/09
5/17/09
5/17/09
2/22/09
5/17/09
5/17/09
5/17/09
4/18/09
4/11/09
4/11/09
5/17/09
57.1
F207
386
149
180
38
T153
U88
388
F195
F198
S78
605
677
342.1
T9
www.vettemarket.com SPRING 2009 Corvette Market 77
Page 76
In
Miniature
By Marshall Buck
Speaking
Volumes
By Mark Wigginton
Fuelies: Fuel Injected Corvettes 1957–65
By Robert Genat, Car Tech, 192 pages, $22.76,
Amazon.com
If you slide alongside
a beautiful '57 Corvette
convertible at a stop
light, you won't even
have to look at the
badges to know it's a
fuelie. Over the loping
idle, distinctive clatter
of solid lifters, and low
burble coming from the
twin pipes is a sweet
over-note, the telling tone—the intake whistle of
the Rochester fuel injection system. You have just
entered fuelie heaven.
Chevrolet introduced fuel injection on the
1959 Corvette Fuelie
Realizing they might have gone overboard with chrome trim and styling clichés
in 1958, Chevrolet toned down the 1959 Corvette. The list of mechanical changes and
improvements over the previous model year was short. The fact that there were visible
changes is good news for all who collect models, since it gives manufacturers reason
to produce more variations.
Such is the case with the new 1:24-scale release from the Danbury Mint (DM).
Continuing the tradition started in 2003, celebrating the 50th anniversary of each
model year of Corvette, we now have the 2009 “Special 50th Anniversary Limited
Edition.” This edition will only be available until December 2009. It's not the first '59
DM has produced; there's also an unlimited-production Frost Blue convertible with
blue interior and cream convertible top. That model sports the carbureted engine.
Back to our sharp-looking, fuel-injected car in Inca Silver with cream coves and
red interior. This color combination always grabs attention. As usual, the crew at DM
paid close attention to detail differences between the '58 they previously modeled and
the '59. Chrome was removed from the trunk, there's a new hood without the faux
vents, restyled ten-slot wheel covers, reshaped seats with new pleating, relocation of
the door handles and reshaped arm rests, obviously revised door panels, an added
storage shelf under the passenger side grab handle, and optional sun visors, which
pivot up and down, as on the 1:1 car. The reverse lockout T-bar on the gear shift has
also been added.
This model comes with a removable black convertible top in the up position. It has
been detailed to perfectly capture the scaled look of the material, along with its little
label on the left below the window. All inside framework has been replicated.
The body shape and overall fit and finish are terrific. The model is extensively
detailed with working features. The hood opens on a well-simulated telescoping support.
The engine bay includes the correct plumbing, fittings, and labels—all correctly
placed. I especially like the detailed throttle linkage. Other working features are doors
that pivot from internal hinges, an opening gas cap door, working steering, suspension,
and trunk. The antenna also goes up, but it is about the only detracting feature,
so best left down.
Nothing in the interior has been missed, from properly
scaled carpeting and cloth seat belts with metal latches
to switchgear and gauges, some of which are legible. Pop
open the trunk and you'll see accurately detailed removable
components like the ultra-thin floor mat over the
simulated wood cover atop the spare tire. If you whip out
a magnifying glass, you'll be able to read the warning and
jacking instructions on the tire cover. The jack is molded
into the inside of the spare wheel center. The chassis is
fully detailed too. Reasonably priced at $149.
www.danburymint.com
78 Corvette Market SPRING 2009 www.vettemarket.com
'59 Vette Details
Production Dates: 2009 only
Quantity: 15,000 approx.
Ratings:
Overall Quality:
Authenticity:
Overall Value:
Web: www.danburymint.com
Corvette and passenger car models in 1957, in an era
when America's future was limitless; styling cues
came from new jet fighters and Monsanto's House of
Tomorrow was a big attraction at Disneyland.
Fuel injection was automotive Tomorrowland,
snapped up by “early adopters” before there was such
a thing, as well as enthusiasts who recognized how
inexpensive more horsepower could be. After all, the
'57 Corvette, with Rochester fuel injection, was making
an advertised 283 horsepower from 283 cubes,
arguably the first mass-produced car to go one to one.
But the era was short lived, as high-performance
carburetors and big-block V8s won the horsepower
wars with less expense—and less hassle. For years,
fuelie owners stripped off the units and put them
on dusty garage shelves in the time when an old
Corvette was a used car, not a classic. How times
have changed, now with fuelies being the most desirable,
most sought-after models, with prices to match.
Robert Genat's text and photography detail the
tech and the times, taking you through how the
Rochester system works and the cars it graced, from
Corvettes to Chevrolet sedans, as well as offerings
from Pontiac. As far as racing goes, fuel-injected '57
Chevrolet sedans were winning in NASCAR, before
the rules were changed to outlaw fuel-injection.
Instead, fuelies became the darlings of the local drag
strip, and the system gave road racers a solution
to fuel starvation problems they were suffering in
carbureted cars, along with plenty of wins.
Provenance:
Genat, as photographer/author, had hands-on
access to the cars in the book and their current owners,
and the attention to detail in both images and
text is striking.
Fit and finish:
Fuelies is filled with beautiful car portraiture.
The simple design marries the images and text
unobtrusively, and the terrific reproduction shows all
involved have the sensibilities of a concours entrant.
Drivability:
If the introduction of fuel injection provided
more bang for the buck for the underpowered early
Corvette, then Fuelies returns the favor, with plenty
of information, eye-popping photos and easy readability
in a low-priced package.
Page 78
Resource
Directory
Auction Companies
Kruse International.
800.968.4444, 5540 CR llA Auburn,
IN 46706. Largest Collector
Car Auction Company, holding
over 35 auctions per year. Home of
the 480-acre Auction Park in Auburn,
IN, where the 37th Annual
Labor Day Auction will be held
with over 5,000 cars and 150,000
people. www.kruse.com. (IN)
Mecum Collector Car
Auctioneers. 815.568.8888,
815.568.6615. 950 Greenlee St.,
Marengo, IL 60015. Auctions:
Orlando, Kansas City, Rockford,
Bloomington Gold, St. Paul, Des
Moines, Carlisle, and Chicago.
Nobody Sells More Muscle
Than Mecum. Nobody. www
.mecumauction.com. (IL)
Russo and Steele Collector
Automobiles. 602.252.2697,
602.252.6260. 5230 South 39th
Street, Phoenix AZ 85040.
info@russoandsteele.com; www
.russoandsteele.com. (AZ)
Silver Auctions. 800.255.4485,
2020 N. Monroe, Spokane, WA
99205. silver@silverauctions.com.
www.silverauctions.com. (WA)
The Worldwide Group.
866.273.6394, Established by
John Kruse and Rod C. Egan, The
Worldwide Group— Auctioneers,
Appraisers and Brokers —is one of
the world's premier auction houses,
specializing in the procurement
and sale of the world's finest automobiles
and vintage watercraft.
www.wwgauctions.com. (TX)
Corvette Parts &
Restoration
County Corvette 610.696.7888,
Sales, service, parts and restoration.
When it must be right.
www.countycorvette.com. (PA)
Mid America Motorworks
800.500.1500, America's leader in
1953-2008 Corvette parts and accessories.
Request a free catalog at
www.mamotorworks.com. (IL)
Classic Car Transport
Intercity Lines, Inc..
800.221.3936, 413.436.9422.
Rapid, hassle-free, coast-to-coast
service. Insured enclosed transport
for your valuable car at affordable
prices. State-of-the-art satellite
Put your company in the CM Resource Directory. Call 877.219.2605 x211,
or email advert@vettemarket.com
transport tracking. Complete
service for vintage races, auctions,
relocations. www.intercitylines
.com. (MA)
Insurance
Hagerty Collector Car Insur-
ance. 800.922.4050. Collector
cars aren't like their late-model
counterparts. These classics actually
appreciate in value so standard
market policies that cost significantly
more won't do the job. We'll
agree on a fair value and cover you
for the full amount. No prorated
claims, no hassles, no games.
www.hagerty.com. (MI)
Corvettes for Sale
Corvette Central Parts and
accessories for all corvettes. Corvette
Central has been a leading
manufacturer and distributor of
Corvette parts and accessories
since 1975. We offer the most
comprehensive and detailed parts
catalogs on the market today and
produce a different catalog for
each Corvette generation. All
catalogs are also online with full
search and order features. From
Blue Flame 6 to the new C6, only
Corvette Central has it all.
www.corvettecentral.com. (MI)
County Corvette.
610.696.7888, The most modern
and best equipped Corvette-only
facility in the nation. www.countycorvette.com.
(PA)
The Chevy Store At The
Chevy Store, you will find only the
highest grade, investment quality
Corvette and specialty Chevrolet
automobiles. We take pride in
providing our clients with the
finest selection anywhere. Offering
investment quality corvettes
and Chevrolets for over 30 years!
503-256-5384 (p) 503-256-4767(f)
www.thechevystore.com. (OR)
Museums
National Corvette Museum
800-53-VETTE, The National
Corvette Museum in Bowling
Green, KY was established as a
501(c)3 not-for-profit foundation
with a mission of celebrating the
invention of the Corvette and preserving
its past, present and future.
www.corvettemuseum
.com. (KY) ■
Ad Index
Al Knoch Interiors ............................ 41
Barrett-Jackson ............................... 84
Baymont Inn & Suites...................... 43
Bloomington Gold .......................... 17
Bloomington Gold .......................... 19
Bob Bondurant School of H.P.D. ... 39
Carlisle Events.................................. 25
Classic Auto Insurance................... 61
Classic Reflection Coachworks .... 13
Competition Components............ 80
Continental Western....................... 23
Corvette America........................... 35
Corvette Collector.......................... 65
Corvette Correction....................... 71
Corvette Market ............................. 81
Corvette Repair Inc........................ 21
Corvette Specialties....................... 71
Corvettes Of Houston..................... 27
County Corvette............................... 2
Eastern Corvettes............................ 80
Factory Reproductions................... 83
Heacock Insurance........................ 79
Intercity Lines ................................... 65
Jim Meyer Racing Products Inc.... 57
Kruse International.......................... 45
Leland West ..................................... 49
Long Island Corvette Supply Inc... 57
Mecum Auction................................ 7
MidAmerica....................................... 3
Midwest Corvettes & Classics ....... 57
National Corvette Museum........... 53
National Corvette Restorers
Society.............................................. 55
Price Tracker .................................... 53
Ronald McDonald House.............. 47
Silver Auctions.................................. 15
St Bernard Church Raffle ............... 71
Superior Glass Works....................... 11
Swissvax............................................ 51
Thomas C Sunday Inc .................... 71
Trailex Inc.......................................... 55
Zip Products ..................................... 55
80 Corvette Market SPRING 2009 www.vettemarket.com
Page 79
Corvette Market
Goes to Monterey!
Come visit the CM staff in Monterey in August during
the vintage week. In conjunction with Sports Car Market,
we will have a presence at:
• Concorso Italiano (booth)
• The Gathering at the Quail (booth)
• The RM Auction
• The Bonhams Auction
• Russo and Steele (booth)
• The Gooding Auction (booth)
• The Kruse Auction (booth)
• The Carmel-By-The Sea Concours
• Pebble Beach Retro (with ReOriginals)
• The Concours d'Lemons (booth)
• The Automobilia Show
(with ReOriginals)
Renew in Monterey and get a
2009 Corvette Market t-shirt!
www.corvettemarket.com
Page 80
Vette-o-bilia
A
Online trash and trinkets—some valuable, some not. By Carl Bomstead.
Worth a Mint?
Don't plan to get rich on Corvette models unless you know the production
run was limited
seller recently offered 100 Franklin Mint 2006 Corvette Z06 limited-edition models on eBay. They
were all finished in Daytona Sunset Orange Metallic and were fresh-in-the-box merchandise with
all the paperwork intact. They were offered at a Buy-it-Now price of $3,000, but alas, no takers. The
models had a retail value of $105 each, so there was a profit potential of $7,500, less the shoe leather of
selling them all. The problem is that the secondary market for Franklin Mint and Danbury models has never
been strong. Highest price I could find was a Franklin Mint 2006 Z06 in red that sold for $41, so that takes
the potential profit down to $1,000 or so. I guess it's a good thing I passed.
EBAY #300310218497—
1991–96 CORVETTE TAIL
CLIP WALL HANGING.
Number of Bids: 4. SOLD AT:
$400. Date Sold: 5/01/2009.
This C4 rear clip was wired so
the taillights and license plate
were functional. C4 ROAR
license plate was a neat added
touch. Just the thing for your
rec room or garage, if you have
the full-size version parked on
the property. Price paid seems
more than fair, if shipping isn't
prohibitive.
EBAY #33032488—SNAP-
ON LS7 CORVETTE ENGINE
DESK CLOCK. Number of
Bids: 1. SOLD AT: $60. Date
Sold: 5/03/2009. This was a
1:6-scale LS7 Corvette engine
and desk clock. The engine was
highly detailed and turning the
key activated the engine sound,
taking you to the open road without
ever leaving your desk. The
shipping was free on this one,
but two others sold for about the
same price, with shipping $14.90
on one and $39.80 on the other. It
pays to read the fine print.
EBAY #290313596282—
1982 FRANKLIN MINT
LIMITED EDITION
CORVETTE. Number of bids:
25. SOLD AT: $355.40. Date
Sold: 5/03/2009. This was a
limited edition of “only” 6,759
and was #1,550. Importantly, this
included the box and papers. It
had never been displayed and
was unpackaged for the pictures.
It was highly detailed and attracted
a lot of attention, actually
selling for more than the issue
price. A rare occurrence.
Franklin Mint C12 and was
signed by Reeves Callaway on
the rear deck. Another “limited
edition,” but this time only
3,500 were produced and this
was #1,866. It was in a very nice
presentation box and attracted
a lot of attention with 25 bids.
These models rarely hold their
value due to the large numbers
produced, and I am sure this
price was a bunch more than
new. I guess it's a good buy if
these are your thing.
Chief Engineers for Corvette
had autographed at two different
gatherings in Seattle in the early
'80s. Very cool piece with both
signatures. I'm surprised it did
not attract more interest and sell
for a bit more.
EBAY #220406542891—C1
CORVETTE IGNITION KEY
SET. Number of Bids: 9. SOLD
AT: $128. Date Sold: 5/10/2009.
The keys in this key set unfolded
as if it were a penknife. I think it
was an aftermarket set and had
the image of a C1 on one side
and a Corvette logo on the other.
The keys had been cut, so I don't
know if they can be re-cut for
another car. Still, an interesting
period piece for a C1 owner.
EBAY #120410942930—
EBAY #250412494000—
EBAY #250414298986—
SIGNED FRANKLIN MINT
CORVETTE CALLAWAY
C12. Number of Bids: 25.
SOLD AT: $123.51. Date Sold:
5/03/2009. This was a 1:24-scale
82 Corvette Market SPRING 2009 www.vettemarket.com
ZORA DUNTOV,
DAVE McLELLAN
AUTOGRAPHED
REPRODUCTION WINDOW
STICKER. Number of Bids: 1.
SOLD AT: $49.99. Date Sold:
5/2/2009. This was a reproduction
1963 Corvette window
sticker that the two most famous
1973 CORVETTE DEALER
PROMO CAR. Number of Bids:
17. SOLD AT: $179.22. Date
Sold: 5/03/2009. Dealer promo
cars lacked detail and were
normally a single color. This one
was seven inches long and in
good condition but was missing
the original box. Prices on promo
cars range from $500 to a few
dollars for the mundane, so rarity
plays a large role in value. This
one sold at the higher range, attracted
a lot of interest, and was
worth the price paid. ■